Antonym (word most opposite in meaning) of DEFEND is:
2023
Antonym (word most opposite in meaning) of DEFEND is:
Answer: C. Attack — Concept: An antonym is a word whose core sense stands opposite to another word's core sense. For an action verb the antonym names the converse action — the…
- A.
Preserve
- B.
Caress
- C.
Attack
- D.
None of these
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Correct answer: C
Concept: An antonym is a word whose core sense stands opposite to another word's core sense. For an action verb the antonym names the converse action — the deed that reverses or opposes it — not merely a word with a different meaning, and not a near-synonym drawn from the same field. The dependable test is to place both verbs in one frame, such as "to ___ a fort", and check whether the two readings pull in opposite directions.
Application: "Defend" means to protect a person, place, position or claim from an assault — to ward off a threat and hold ground against an aggressor. Its converse is therefore the verb that names the very aggression being warded off: to set upon a target with force. In one frame, "to defend a fort" and "to attack a fort" describe the two opposed sides of a single engagement, which is exactly the opposition an antonym must capture.
Cross-check against every choice
Word | Core sense | Relation to "defend" |
|---|---|---|
Preserve | keep something in its existing condition, free from loss or decay | belongs to the same protective field, so a near-synonym rather than an opposite |
Caress | touch or stroke a person or animal gently and affectionately | belongs to an unrelated field of physical touch, so neither opposite nor synonym |
Attack | set upon a person, place or position with force | names the converse action, which is the opposition the stem asks for |
None of these | a claim about the option set rather than a word | not applicable, since a listed word does carry the opposite sense |
Hence the word most opposite in meaning to "defend" is attack.