Defend
Repel
Repel verb - Force or drive back.
Usage example: repel the attacker
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
- When engaged in combat, the player must then use the weapons to repel the approaching enemies and defend their city.
-
Naturally, they're hard to defend against, and Kirit's ability to repel them is why the Singers are so keen to force her join up.
Source: Literature / Updraft -
Other drones can defend against incoming fire, especially missiles, repair damaged systems, repair your ship's hull, repel boarders, or be sent over to board the enemy.
Cite this Source
Repel and Defend. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/defend/repel
Defend & Repel. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/defend/repel>.
Repel or Defend. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/defend/repel.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "defend" and "repel" have occurred on timeline