défendiez

The term *défendiez* is the second-person plural imperfect subjunctive form of the French verb *défendre*, meaning "to defend" or "to protect." In modern French grammar, this form is primarily used in literary or formal contexts, as well as in certain fixed expressions or literary references.

The verb *défendre* itself has multiple meanings, including defending against an attack, protecting someone or something, or opposing an idea or proposal. For example, one might *défendre* a position in a debate or *défendre* a park from vandalism. The imperfect subjunctive tense (*défendiez*) is historically used to express hypothetical, uncertain, or past actions, though its usage has declined in everyday speech in favor of more common tenses like the present or past indicative.

In literary or poetic contexts, *défendiez* may appear in verses or prose to evoke a sense of nostalgia or formality. For instance, a poet might write, *"Que vous défendiez la paix"* ("That you defend peace"), blending archaic and modern stylistic elements. While rarely encountered in contemporary conversation, understanding such forms is valuable for studying French literature, historical texts, or formal writing.

The conjugation of *défendre* follows a standard pattern for -re verbs, with irregularities in the present and past tenses. The imperfect subjunctive, like *défendiez*, is derived from the stem *défend-* and combines with the subjunctive endings of the imperfect mood. This form is part of a broader set of conjugations that reflect French’s rich verbal system, including the conditional, past historic, and other moods.