Whenever my father reprimanded Richard, my mother would defend him there and then, right or wrong.

This has become increasingly common: if the mother can explain and defend her choices, she has a better chance of prevailing in court.

The mother will also vigorously defend the eggs from predators, not eating unless an egg goes bad.

If a juvenile is in a fight, the mother must get up and defend her.

For a few glorious days, their wives and mothers defended the honor of Greek cooking.

Ms. Rivera's mother, emotionally battered, could not defend herself or her children.

All the more believable if the mother stands up and defends her son.

Helen's mother had defended this characteristic, recognizing it as her own.

His mother defended Leningrad during all 900 days of blockade.

At this hour, the men were still out in the fields, but the woman drew herself up, a mother defending her children.