PREP

against

PHRASES

heavily defended
The city was heavily defended against attack

ADV

fiercely, hotly, robustly, staunchly, stoutly, strenuously, strongly, vigorously
The company has strenuously defended its decision to reduce the workforce
publicly

PREP

against
She defended her department against accusations of incompetence

ADV

successfully

PREP

against
The champion successfully defended his title against the American challenger