defend with

defend (oneself or someone) with (something)

To use something to protect (someone or something) against a physical attack. When John realized that a burglar was in the house, he tried to defend himself with a baseball bat.
See also: defend
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

defend someone with something

to repel danger from someone with something. Here, defend yourself with this club. Mary defended herself with karate.
See also: defend
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • defend
  • defend (oneself or someone) with (something)
  • get the stuffing knocked out of (one)
  • go to bat against
  • get the stuffing kicked out of (one)
  • go to bat for
  • go to bat for (one)
  • go to bat for somebody
References in periodicals archive
"The best thing is to defend with 10 offensive players because when you have the ball it's much more likely you will score."
Klopp attacks claims Reds aren't defensive
We defend with everybody and are trying to be as strong as we can be.
Set-piece goal was down to luck - Martinez
If we can't defend with four midfielders, four defenders and a goalkeeper there is something wrong.
Post Soapbox: Attack, not defend
The policy includes the following features: claims-made policy with limits up to $25 million; option for defense costs in addition to limit of liability; duty to defend with the insured having the right to assume the defense; no retention if insured defends, advancement of defense costs if insured defends; either/ or discovery option; and broad definitions of claim, loss, and insured.
Fiduciary Liability