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défendre

A2 verb #3,000 most common 12 min read

défendre

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips défendre in 30 Seconds

Explanation défendre in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily learn 'défendre' in its most basic form: protection. You might use it to say you are defending a friend or a toy. You also encounter it in the very common sign 'Défense de fumer' (No smoking), which you learn as a fixed phrase. At this stage, the grammar is kept simple, focusing on the present tense 'je défends' or the infinitive. The concept is introduced as a way to express 'no' or 'don't do that' through signs. You won't be expected to use the complex 'défendre à quelqu'un de' structure yet, but you should recognize the word when you see it on a door or in a simple story about a hero defending a castle.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'défendre' more actively in your own sentences. You learn that it can mean both 'to protect' and 'to forbid.' You start to use it in the context of sports (defending a goal) and in simple social situations (defending your opinion). You are introduced to the past participle 'défendu' and use it in the passé composé: 'J'ai défendu mon ami.' You also learn the common sign-based structure 'Il est défendu de...' followed by an infinitive. This level focuses on everyday utility—knowing what is allowed and what isn't, and being able to say you are helping someone in a conflict.

By B1, you are expected to handle the grammatical complexity of 'défendre à quelqu'un de faire quelque chose.' You use the verb to discuss social issues, such as 'défendre l'environnement' or 'défendre les droits des animaux.' You also start using the pronominal form 'se défendre' to talk about standing up for yourself in a discussion or a professional setting. You understand the nuance between 'défendre' and 'interdire,' choosing the former for more formal or emphatic situations. You can also use the noun 'la défense' in various contexts, from legal talk to sports strategy, and you're comfortable with the verb in the future and conditional tenses.

At the B2 level, you use 'défendre' with more precision and idiomatic flair. You understand expressions like 'défendre bec et ongles' (to defend tooth and nail) and can use them in debates. You are able to 'défendre une thèse' or a complex point of view using structured arguments. You recognize the legal implications of the word and can follow a news report about a 'défenseur des droits.' Your understanding of the 'forbid' meaning extends to more abstract prohibitions, like 'la morale nous défend de...' You can contrast 'défendre' with 'soutenir' or 'protéger' to show a high level of linguistic control and stylistic variety.

At C1, 'défendre' is used in highly nuanced ways. You might use it to discuss the 'défense' of a language against foreign influence or the 'défense' of a philosophical position. You are comfortable with the passive voice and literary uses of the verb. You understand the historical evolution of the word and how its dual meaning reflects French cultural attitudes toward authority and protection. You can use it in complex sentence structures involving the subjunctive if necessary (e.g., 'Il est essentiel que nous défendions...'). You also pick up on the subtle irony when someone uses 'se défendre' to mean they are 'doing okay' in a task they are actually quite good at.

At the C2 level, you have a total mastery of 'défendre' in all its rhetorical and literary glory. You can use it to analyze legal texts, classical literature, or high-level political theory. You understand its use in the 'imparfait du subjonctif' in older texts and can appreciate the stylistic choice of using 'défendre' over 'interdire' to create a specific tone. You can engage in deep discussions about the 'Légitime défense' (self-defense) laws or the 'Défense nationale.' The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile tool that you can manipulate to express subtle shades of meaning, authority, and conviction in any context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

défendre in 30 Seconds

Défendre means 'to defend/protect' or 'to forbid/prohibit' depending on the sentence structure and context.
When it means 'to forbid,' it is usually followed by the preposition 'de' and an infinitive verb.
It is a regular -re verb, conjugated like 'vendre' (je défends, tu défends, il défend).
Commonly seen on signs like 'Défense de fumer' (No Smoking) or used in sports and law.

The French verb défendre is a fascinating linguistic double-edged sword that every learner must master. At its core, it carries two primary meanings that might seem distinct at first glance but share a common root: the act of protection and the act of prohibition. In everyday French, you will encounter it most frequently when someone is protecting a person, an idea, or a physical space from harm. However, its second life as a synonym for 'interdire' (to forbid) is equally vital, especially in formal signs or parental commands.

Protection Context: When you stand up for a friend during an argument or when a goalkeeper prevents a goal, you are using the 'protect' sense of the word. It implies an active stance against an outside threat.

Le soldat doit défendre la patrie avec courage et détermination.

In the context of prohibition, 'défendre' is often used in the passive voice or as a past participle. If you see a sign saying 'Défense de fumer,' it literally translates to 'Defense of smoking,' which in French logic means 'Smoking is prohibited because we are defending the space from smoke.' This duality is what makes the word so versatile. Whether you are in a courtroom where a lawyer is defending a client or in a park where walking on the grass is forbidden, this verb is your primary tool.

Prohibition Context: This usage is slightly more formal than 'interdire.' It suggests an official rule or a moral boundary that has been set by an authority figure.

Ma mère m'a défendu de sortir ce soir car j'ai trop de devoirs.

Understanding the nuances between these two meanings requires looking at the sentence structure. If the verb is followed by a person or a noun, it usually means 'to protect.' If it is followed by the preposition 'de' and an infinitive, it almost always means 'to forbid.' This distinction is crucial for reading comprehension and avoiding confusion in conversation.

Legal and Formal Use: In French law, 'le défenseur' is the advocate. The verb 'défendre' here refers to the systematic justification and protection of a legal position.

L'avocat va défendre son client devant le juge demain matin.

Il est strictement défendu d'entrer dans cette zone sans autorisation.

In summary, 'défendre' is about drawing a line. On one side of the line is what you protect; on the other side is what you prevent from crossing. As you advance from A2 to higher levels, you will see it used metaphorically to describe defending values, honor, or even a thesis in a university setting. It is a robust, high-frequency verb that anchors many aspects of French social and legal life.

Using défendre correctly involves mastering its grammatical constructions, which vary based on whether you are protecting or prohibiting. For the meaning 'to defend/protect,' the structure is straightforward: défendre + [noun/person]. For example, 'Il défend son petit frère' (He defends his little brother). Here, the focus is on the object being protected.

Direct Object Construction: This is used when you are actively protecting something. 'L'équipe défend son titre' (The team defends its title).

Nous devons défendre nos idées même si elles sont impopulaires.

When you shift to the meaning 'to forbid,' the grammar becomes slightly more complex. The standard construction is défendre à [quelqu'un] de [faire quelque chose]. Note the use of the indirect object (à quelqu'un) and the preposition 'de' before the infinitive. For instance, 'Le médecin défend au patient de fumer' (The doctor forbids the patient from smoking). This is a formal way to express prohibition.

The 'Forbidden' Construction: Structure: [Subject] + défend + à [Person] + de + [Infinitive]. This is very common in literature and formal speech.

Le règlement défend aux élèves d'utiliser leur téléphone en classe.

Another common usage is the pronominal form se défendre, which means 'to defend oneself.' This can be physical, like in martial arts, or verbal, like when you are being accused of something. 'Elle sait se défendre' means she knows how to stand up for herself. In a more casual context, 'ça se défend' is a popular expression meaning 'that's a valid point' or 'that's a defensible argument.'

Pronominal Form: 'Se défendre' often implies a reaction to an attack or a criticism. It is a reflective action.

Il a dû se défendre contre des accusations injustes.

Ton argument est intéressant, ça se défend !

When conjugating 'défendre,' remember it follows the pattern of regular -re verbs like 'vendre.' In the present tense: je défends, tu défends, il défend, nous défendons, vous défendez, ils défendent. The past participle is 'défendu.' Mastery of these patterns allows you to use the word fluently in all tenses. Whether you are talking about historical battles, modern laws, or personal boundaries, 'défendre' provides the structural backbone for expressing protection and restriction.

In the streets of Paris or any French city, the word défendre is ubiquitous, though often in its noun form or past participle. The most iconic use is the 'Défense de fumer' (No Smoking) or 'Défense d'entrer' (No Entry) signs found in public buildings, parks, and private properties. This is the most immediate way a traveler will encounter the word. It carries a certain weight of authority that 'Interdit' also has, but 'Défense de...' feels more institutional.

Public Signage: 'Défense de...' is the standard prefix for 'It is forbidden to...' on signs across France.

Il y a un grand panneau qui dit : Défense de stationner.

Moving from the streets to the sports stadium, 'défendre' is the primary verb for athletes. Commentators will shout about a team that 'défend bien' (defends well) or a player who is a 'bon défenseur.' In football (soccer), which is the most popular sport in France, the 'défense' is the backline of the team. You will hear fans debating whether the team should 'défendre le score' (protect the lead) or go on the attack.

Sports Commentary: Coaches often tell their players: 'Il faut défendre chaque ballon comme si c'était le dernier!'

L'équipe de France a dû défendre son but pendant tout le match.

In the news and political landscape, 'défendre' is a keyword for activists and politicians. They talk about 'défendre les droits de l'homme' (defending human rights) or 'défendre le pouvoir d'achat' (defending purchasing power). It is a word of conviction. When a politician says, 'Je défendrai vos intérêts,' they are making a solemn promise to be your advocate.

Political Discourse: The verb is used to show alignment with a cause or a group of people in need of protection.

Ce syndicat est là pour défendre les travailleurs contre les licenciements.

Elle a passé sa vie à défendre les plus démunis.

Finally, in a legal context, 'défendre' is the action of the 'avocat de la défense' (defense attorney). You will hear this in any crime drama or news report about a trial. The word carries a sense of duty and professional obligation in this setting. Whether in the courtroom, on the field, or on a street sign, 'défendre' is a pillar of French communication.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning défendre is failing to recognize its secondary meaning of 'to forbid.' Because 'defend' in English only means to protect, learners often struggle when they see 'Il m'est défendu de...' and interpret it as 'It is defended to me to...' instead of 'I am forbidden from...' This can lead to significant misunderstandings of rules and instructions.

Translation Error: Mistaking 'défendre' for only 'to protect' when the context clearly implies prohibition.

Faux-pas : 'Je défends de fumer' (I protect smoking) vs 'Je défends de fumer' (I forbid smoking).

Another common mistake involves the prepositional structure. When using 'défendre' to mean 'to forbid,' you must use 'à' for the person and 'de' for the action. Many learners omit the 'à' or use 'pour,' which is incorrect. For example, 'Je défends à mes enfants de manger des bonbons' is correct, while 'Je défends mes enfants de manger...' would mean you are protecting your children from the act of eating, which is grammatically awkward and semantically confusing.

Preposition Pitfalls: Always remember the 'à [person] de [verb]' pattern for prohibition.

Correct : Il défend à son ami d'entrer. Incorrect : Il défend son ami d'entrer.

Confusion also arises with the verb 'protéger.' While both mean 'to defend' in some contexts, 'protéger' is more about keeping something safe from environmental factors or general harm (like 'protéger de la pluie'), whereas 'défendre' implies a more active resistance against a specific attack or opposition. Using 'défendre' for 'protecting' against the rain would sound very strange to a native speaker.

Défendre vs. Protéger: Use 'défendre' for active opposition/conflict; use 'protéger' for general safety and care.

On défend une ville contre un ennemi, mais on protège un enfant du froid.

Ne dites pas 'Je défends mes plantes du soleil', dites 'Je protège mes plantes'.

Lastly, learners often forget that 'défendre' is a regular -re verb. They might try to conjugate it like 'venir' or other irregular verbs. Mastering the simple 'dends, dends, dend, dendons, dendez, dendent' endings will prevent many spoken errors. By paying attention to these structural and semantic nuances, you can avoid the 'English-brain' traps that lead to awkward French.

To truly sound like a native, you need to know when to use défendre and when to reach for its synonyms. For the 'protect' meaning, the most common alternative is protéger. While 'défendre' implies a fight or resistance, 'protéger' is softer and more general. If you are keeping your phone safe in a case, you 'protégez' it; you don't 'défendez' it unless someone is literally trying to snatch it from your hand.

Défendre vs. Protéger: Défendre = active resistance/opposition. Protéger = general safety/prevention.

L'armée défend les frontières, mais les parents protègent leurs enfants.

For the 'forbid' meaning, the most direct synonym is interdire. 'Interdire' is much more common in everyday speech. If a teacher tells a student they can't do something, they will likely use 'interdire.' However, 'défendre' remains the choice for official signs and more formal, almost literary, prohibitions. There is also prohiber, which is very formal and usually refers to laws or large-scale regulations (like the prohibition of alcohol).

Défendre vs. Interdire: Interdire is the standard everyday verb. Défendre is more formal or found in specific signs.

Il est interdit de courir dans les couloirs (common school rule).

In a legal or argumentative context, you might use plaider (to plead) or justifier (to justify). When a lawyer 'défend' a client, they are 'plaidant' their case. If you are 'défendant' your choice of restaurant, you are 'justifiant' your decision. These nuances allow you to be more precise in your expression.

Argumentative Contexts: Use 'justifier' when explaining reasons; use 'soutenir' when offering support for a theory.

Je vais soutenir ton projet lors de la réunion de demain.

Il est difficile de justifier une telle dépense en ce moment.

Finally, for physical defense, parer is used specifically for 'blocking' an attack (like in fencing or boxing). Choosing the right word from this family of synonyms will make your French more descriptive and accurate, moving you beyond the basic A2 level into a more sophisticated B1/B2 range.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The same Latin root '-fendere' gives us the word 'fence' in English, which is also a tool for defense!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /de.fɑ̃dʁ/

US /de.fɑndʀ/

The stress is typically on the last syllable: de-FENDRE.

Rhymes With

attendre vendre prendre rendre tendre entendre descendre pendre

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 're' like the English 'er' (as in 'mother').
Failing to make the 'an' sound nasal.
Pronouncing the final 's' in 'défends' (it is silent).
Stress on the first syllable.
Mixing up the 'é' and 'e' sounds.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize, but the 'forbid' meaning might trip up beginners.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the 'à... de...' construction for prohibition.

Speaking 2/5

Regular conjugation makes it relatively easy to use.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but must distinguish from 'descendre' or 'attendre'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

vendre attendre interdire ami loi

Learn Next

protéger soutenir empêcher autoriser plaider

Advanced

la jurisprudence la plaidoirie un grief prohibitif inviolable

Grammar to Know

Regular -re verbs (3rd group)

Je défends, nous défendons.

Indirect Object Pronouns with 'défendre à'

Je lui défends de sortir.

Impersonal expressions with 'il est'

Il est défendu de manger ici.

Passive voice with 'être'

La ville a été défendue par les soldats.

Pronominal verbs in the passé composé

Elle s'est défendue avec courage.

Examples by Level

Je défends mon petit chat.

I defend my little cat.

Simple present tense, direct object.

Défense de fumer ici.

No smoking here.

Noun phrase used as a prohibition.

Le chien défend la maison.

The dog defends the house.

Subject + Verb + Object.

Il est défendu d'entrer.

It is forbidden to enter.

Passive construction with infinitive.

Tu défends ton frère ?

Are you defending your brother?

Question form in present tense.

Le héros défend le château.

The hero defends the castle.

Basic narrative sentence.

Défense de manger en classe.

No eating in class.

Common school prohibition.

Elle défend son jouet.

She defends her toy.

Focus on possession.

J'ai défendu mon ami hier.

I defended my friend yesterday.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Il est défendu de courir ici.

It is forbidden to run here.

Impersonal 'il est' + past participle.

Nous défendons notre école.

We are defending our school.

Present tense, 'nous' form.

Mon père me défend de sortir.

My father forbids me from going out.

Défendre à quelqu'un de faire quelque chose.

Le gardien défend le but.

The goalkeeper defends the goal.

Sports context.

Elle se défend très bien.

She defends herself very well.

Pronominal verb 'se défendre'.

C'est défendu par la loi.

It is forbidden by law.

Passive voice with agent.

Vous devez défendre vos idées.

You must defend your ideas.

Modal verb 'devoir' + infinitive.

Le règlement défend aux élèves de tricher.

The rules forbid students from cheating.

Indirect object 'aux élèves'.

Elle a dû se défendre devant le patron.

She had to defend herself in front of the boss.

Pronominal use in a professional context.

Ils défendent la nature avec passion.

They defend nature with passion.

Abstract object (nature).

Il m'a défendu de lui parler.

He forbade me from talking to him.

Personal prohibition.

Le soldat a défendu son poste.

The soldier defended his post.

Military context.

On nous défend d'utiliser le Wi-Fi.

We are forbidden from using the Wi-Fi.

Impersonal 'on' with indirect object.

Elle sait se défendre en public.

She knows how to stand up for herself in public.

Nuance of 'standing up for oneself'.

Nous défendons le droit de vote.

We defend the right to vote.

Political/Civil rights context.

L'avocat défend son client avec brio.

The lawyer defends his client brilliantly.

Legal context, formal adverb.

Il défend bec et ongles son projet.

He defends his project tooth and nail.

Idiomatic expression 'bec et ongles'.

La loi défend toute discrimination.

The law forbids all discrimination.

Formal prohibition of a noun.

Elle se défend d'avoir menti.

She denies having lied (defends herself against the charge).

Se défendre de + past infinitive.

Le château était difficile à défendre.

The castle was difficult to defend.

Adjective + à + infinitive.

Le médecin lui défend de faire du sport.

The doctor forbids him from doing sports.

Medical advice as prohibition.

Il faut défendre nos valeurs communes.

We must defend our common values.

Abstract moral context.

L'équipe a bien défendu son avance.

The team defended its lead well.

Sports strategy.

Le philosophe défend une vision humaniste.

The philosopher defends a humanist vision.

Intellectual/Philosophical context.

Il est défendu de faire marche arrière.

It is forbidden to turn back (metaphorically).

Metaphorical prohibition.

Elle se défend pas mal en informatique.

She's not bad at IT (she gets by well).

Colloquial use meaning 'to be competent'.

La forteresse fut défendue jusqu'au bout.

The fortress was defended until the end.

Passive voice in the passé simple (literary).

Sa position se défend, mais je ne suis pas d'accord.

His position is defensible, but I don't agree.

Pronominal use 'se défendre' meaning 'to be valid'.

Le décret défend l'importation de ces produits.

The decree forbids the importation of these products.

Administrative/Legal language.

Ils ont défendu leur honneur avec dignité.

They defended their honor with dignity.

Abstract noun (honor).

On ne peut pas défendre l'indéfendable.

One cannot defend the indefensible.

Rhetorical statement.

L'auteur défend la thèse d'une rupture épistémologique.

The author defends the thesis of an epistemological break.

Academic/Scientific context.

Il s'est défendu de toute intention malveillante.

He denied any malicious intent.

Formal denial in legalistic tone.

La langue française se défend contre les anglicismes.

The French language defends itself against anglicisms.

Linguistic/Cultural personification.

Il fut défendu à quiconque d'approcher le roi.

Anyone was forbidden from approaching the king.

Literary construction with 'quiconque'.

L'œuvre défend un point de vue radical.

The work defends a radical point of view.

Artistic analysis.

Elle a su défendre son bifteck lors des négociations.

She knew how to protect her interests (idiom).

Idiomatic expression 'défendre son bifteck'.

La légitime défense est un concept complexe.

Self-defense is a complex concept.

Legal terminology.

Rien ne saurait défendre une telle conduite.

Nothing could justify such conduct.

High-level rhetorical structure.

Common Collocations

défendre ses intérêts

défendre la patrie

défendre une cause

défendre le titre

défendre un client

se défendre de

être défendu de

défendre son point de vue

bien se défendre

défendre bec et ongles

Common Phrases

Défense de fumer

— No smoking. It is a standard sign found in public places.

Vous ne voyez pas le panneau 'Défense de fumer' ?

Défense d'entrer

— No entry. Used to mark private or dangerous areas.

Il y a une pancarte 'Défense d'entrer' sur la porte.

Se défendre bien

— To be reasonably good at something. It's a modest way to claim a skill.

Je me défends bien au tennis.

Défendre la veuve et l'orphelin

— To defend the weak and vulnerable. A classic chivalrous expression.

Il se prend pour un chevalier qui défend la veuve et l'orphelin.

C'est défendu !

— It's forbidden! Often said to children.

Ne touche pas à ça, c'est défendu !

Défendre son bout de gras

— To fight for one's share or interests. Somewhat informal.

Chacun défend son bout de gras dans cette entreprise.

Défendre l'indéfendable

— To try to justify something that is morally or logically wrong.

Arrête d'essayer de défendre l'indéfendable.

Prendre la défense de quelqu'un

— To stand up for someone who is being criticized.

Merci d'avoir pris ma défense devant le patron.

Légitime défense

— Self-defense in a legal context.

Il a agi en état de légitime défense.

Défense nationale

— National defense/military forces of a country.

Il travaille pour le ministère de la Défense nationale.

Often Confused With

défendre vs descendre

They sound similar, but 'descendre' means to go down, while 'défendre' means to defend/forbid.

défendre vs dépendre

Often confused in spelling; 'dépendre' means to depend on something.

défendre vs détendre

Means to relax, which is the opposite of the tension implied in 'défendre'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Défendre son bifteck"

— To protect one's livelihood or personal interests vigorously.

En période de crise, tout le monde défend son bifteck.

informal

"Défendre bec et ongles"

— To defend something with all one's might (tooth and nail).

Elle a défendu son opinion bec et ongles.

neutral

"Se défendre comme un beau diable"

— To fight back or defend oneself with extreme energy.

Il s'est défendu comme un beau diable contre les accusations.

informal

"La meilleure défense, c'est l'attaque"

— The best defense is a good offense.

Il a critiqué son rival avant d'être critiqué lui-même; la meilleure défense, c'est l'attaque.

neutral

"Défendre son clocher"

— To protect the interests of one's own small community or village, sometimes narrowly.

Le maire ne fait que défendre son clocher.

neutral

"Défendre son terrain"

— To hold one's ground in an argument or physical space.

Le négociateur a bien défendu son terrain.

neutral

"Défendre la peau de quelqu'un"

— To save someone's life or protect them from severe trouble.

J'ai dû défendre ma peau lors de cette réunion.

informal

"Défendre ses couleurs"

— To represent one's team, country, or organization with pride.

Les athlètes sont fiers de défendre leurs couleurs.

neutral

"Il est défendu de parler au conducteur"

— A specific phrase often seen on buses; 'Do not speak to the driver.'

C'est écrit sur la vitre : il est défendu de parler au conducteur.

formal

"Défendre sa paroisse"

— To advocate for one's own interests or group (similar to 'clocher').

Chaque ministre défend sa paroisse lors du budget.

neutral

Easily Confused

défendre vs interdire

Both mean 'to forbid.'

Interdire is more common and less formal. Défendre is often used on signs and in literature.

Le panneau dit 'Défense de fumer', mais maman m'interdit de manger des bonbons.

défendre vs protéger

Both mean 'to protect.'

Protéger is general safety (e.g., from rain). Défendre implies protection against an active attack.

Je protège mon livre de l'eau, mais je défends mon livre contre mon frère qui veut le prendre.

défendre vs soutenir

Both can mean to support a person or idea.

Soutenir is giving positive support; défendre is protecting that idea from being attacked.

Je soutiens ton plan, et je le défendrai devant le comité.

défendre vs préserver

Both involve keeping something safe.

Préserver is about conservation and preventing change. Défendre is about preventing an immediate threat.

Il faut préserver la forêt, mais il faut la défendre contre les incendies.

défendre vs plaider

Both are used in legal contexts.

Plaider is the act of speaking in court; défendre is the overall goal of the lawyer.

L'avocat plaide pour son client afin de mieux le défendre.

Sentence Patterns

Défense de + [infinitive]

Défense de courir.

Je défends + [person]

Je défends mon ami.

Défendre à [quelqu'un] de [faire]

Il défend à son fils de fumer.

Se défendre + [adverb]

Elle se défend bien en anglais.

Défendre [noun] bec et ongles

Il défend son projet bec et ongles.

Prendre la défense de [quelqu'un]

J'ai pris la défense de ma collègue.

Se défendre de + [infinitive passé]

Il se défend d'avoir volé l'argent.

Il fut défendu à + [personne] + de [faire]

Il fut défendu aux gardes de parler.

Word Family

Nouns

la défense defense or prohibition

le défenseur defender (male)

la défenseuse defender (female)

le défendeur defendant (legal context)

Verbs

redéfendre to defend again

Adjectives

défensif defensive

défendable defensible

indéfendable indefensible

interdire

protéger

plaider

répondre

corresponde

How to Use It

frequency

High frequency in legal, sports, and educational contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'défendre' for 'protect from rain'. → protéger de la pluie
'Défendre' implies an active opponent. Rain is not an opponent, so use 'protéger'.
Saying 'Je défends mon fils à fumer'. → Je défends à mon fils de fumer.
The person forbidden takes 'à' and the action takes 'de'.
Pronouncing the 's' in 'défends'. → défends (silent s)
In French, the final 's' in many verb forms is silent.
Translating 'It is defended to smoke' from 'Il est défendu de fumer'. → It is forbidden to smoke.
This is a false friend situation where the English word 'defended' doesn't fit the context.
Using 'défendre' instead of 'interdire' in very casual speech. → interdire
While not wrong, 'défendre' can sound a bit stiff or overly formal in a casual chat.

Tips

The Preposition Rule

Always use 'de' before the verb when you mean 'to forbid.' For example: 'Défense DE fumer.' Never say 'Défense fumer.'

Signs in France

When walking in France, look for 'Défense de stationner.' It means 'No Parking.' It's a great way to remember the 'forbid' meaning.

Modest Skill

If someone asks 'Tu parles bien français ?', you can say 'Je me défends.' It sounds very natural and humble.

Legal Writing

In essays, use 'défendre une thèse' to describe your main argument. It sounds much more professional than 'dire mon idée'.

Human Rights

The phrase 'Défenseur des droits' is an official title in France for the ombudsman who protects citizens' rights.

The Shield

Visualize the letter 'D' in 'défendre' as a shield. You use it to block attacks (defend) or block actions (forbid).

Nasal Sounds

The 'en' in 'défendre' is the same sound as in 'enfant' and 'attendre.' Practice these together to master the nasal vowel.

Tooth and Nail

Use 'bec et ongles' (beak and nails) with 'défendre' to show extreme effort. 'Il défend son poste bec et ongles.'

Don't confuse with 'Dépendre'

Remember: 'Défendre' has an 'F' (for Fight/Forbid), 'Dépendre' has a 'P' (for de-Pend).

Passive vs Active

Use 'Il est défendu de...' for general rules, and 'Je défends à...' for personal rules you are setting.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a FENCE. You use a fence to DEFEND your yard (protect) and to DEFEND people from entering (forbid). DE-FENCE = DE-FENDRE.

Visual Association

Picture a goalkeeper (un défenseur) standing in front of a 'Défense de fumer' sign. He is defending the goal and the law.

Word Web

protection interdiction avocat football loi bouclier armée règles

Challenge

Try to write three sentences: one about a sport, one about a law, and one about a friend, all using 'défendre'.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'defendere,' which is composed of 'de-' (away) and '-fendere' (to strike).

Original meaning: Literally 'to strike away' or 'to ward off.'

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'défendre' can sound quite authoritative when used as a command.

In English, 'defend' rarely means 'to forbid,' which is a major point of confusion for learners.

La Défense (Paris Business District) L'avocat de la défense (Common character in French crime novels) Défense de fumer (The most famous sign in France)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports

Il faut mieux défendre.
C'est un bon défenseur.
Défendre le score.
Défendre son camp.

Law

Défendre un accusé.
La légitime défense.
L'avocat de la défense.
Défendre ses droits.

Rules/Signs

Défense de fumer.
Il est défendu de...
Le règlement défend...
C'est défendu !

Arguments

Défendre son opinion.
Se défendre contre des critiques.
Prendre la défense de quelqu'un.
Ça se défend.

Daily Life

Se défendre en cuisine.
Défendre son petit frère.
Défendre son territoire.
Défendre ses intérêts.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu as déjà dû défendre un ami dans une situation difficile ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il est important de défendre ses idées, même si elles sont impopulaires ?"

"Dans ton pays, qu'est-ce qu'il est strictement défendu de faire dans les parcs ?"

"Est-ce que tu te défends bien dans une langue étrangère à part le français ?"

"Quel est le meilleur moyen pour une équipe de sport de défendre son avance ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris une situation où tu as pris la défense de quelqu'un. Pourquoi l'as-tu fait ?

Quelles sont les règles qui sont défendues dans ton travail ou ton école ? Es-tu d'accord avec elles ?

Imagine que tu es un avocat. Comment défendrais-tu une personne accusée d'un petit vol ?

Qu'est-ce que tu aimerais défendre comme cause dans le futur (environnement, éducation, etc.) ?

Que signifie pour toi l'expression 'la meilleure défense, c'est l'attaque' ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it also means 'to protect' or 'to defend.' You can tell the difference by context: 'défendre + person' usually means protect, while 'défendre à quelqu'un de...' means forbid.

They are very similar. 'Interdire' is the standard word for 'to forbid' in daily life. 'Défendre' is a bit more formal and is the classic word used on signs like 'Défense de fumer'.

Yes, it is a regular -re verb (3rd group). It follows the same conjugation pattern as 'vendre', 'attendre', and 'répondre'.

You use the pronominal form 'se défendre.' For example, 'Il se défend' means 'He defends himself.'

It's an idiom meaning 'that's a valid point' or 'that's a reasonable argument.' You use it in a debate to show you understand the logic behind an idea.

Usually no. Use 'protéger' for environmental things like rain or cold. 'Défendre' implies an enemy or an active opposition.

No, the 's' is silent. The final sound of the word is the nasal 'en' (like 'on' in 'bon' but with an 'ah' quality).

The past participle is 'défendu.' You use it for the passé composé: 'J'ai défendu'.

It means a 'defender' or 'backman,' like a player whose job is to prevent the other team from scoring.

If you are forbidding someone from doing something, use: 'Je défends à [Person A] de [Verb]'. Example: 'Je défends à Marc de parler à Julie'.