difende

Difende is the third-person singular present indicative form of the Italian verb difendere, meaning to defend or protect. It is used to describe an action carried out by a subject such as he or she (or an unspecified subject in formal writing): for example, L’avvocato difende il cliente (The lawyer defends the client).

Etymology and meaning: The verb difendere derives from Latin defendere, formed with the prefix de- plus fendere (to strike or cut), and it has a broad range of senses related to warding off harm, protecting someone or something, or advocating for a cause. In everyday language, difende appears in legal, political, moral, and personal contexts.

Conjugation and related forms: Difendere is the infinitive; other present tense forms include difendo (I defend), difendi (you defend), difende (he/she defends), difendiamo (we defend), difendete (you all defend), and difendono (they defend). The verb also appears in the passive and in reflexive forms, such as difendersi (to defend oneself). The imperative forms are difendi (tu) and difendete (voi).

Usage notes: Difendere is commonly followed by a direct object: difendere i diritti (defend rights), difendere una persona, or difendere una causa. It can also express justification or defense in legal proceedings, debates, or personal disputes. A related noun form is difesa, meaning defense or protection.

See also: Italian verbs of defend/defense, difendere derivatives, and phrases involving to defend or protect in Italian discourse.