défendue

Défendue is the feminine singular past participle of the French verb défendre. In grammar, it functions as an adjective that agrees with feminine nouns, and it can also appear in feminine form in passive or semi-passive constructions.

The word carries two main senses depending on context. In one sense, défendue means defended, protected, or secured, as in a zone défendue (a defended/protected area) or a position défendue (a position that is defended). In another sense, défendue can denote something forbidden or prohibited, when it describes rules or practices, for example une pratique défendue (a practice forbidden by law or convention) or une idée défendue (an idea that is defended against opposition).

Usage notes: the masculine form défendu is used in impersonal constructions such as Il est défendu de fumer (Smoking is forbidden). The feminine défendue is used when the subject is feminine, or when modifying a feminine noun (la cause défendue, une proposition défendue). Etymologically, défendue derives from the verb défendre, itself from Latin defendere.

See also: défendu (masculine form), défense (the act or process of defending; noun), défenseur/défenseuse (defender). Défendue is primarily a grammatical form employed to express the agreement between a past participle and a feminine noun, with nuanced meanings tied to context — either protection or prohibition.