Very aware of definitions. There is a difference...unless we simply look at the surface of the definitions and do not drill deep enough.
How about:
Protect: to provide a guard or shield
Defend: to take action against attack or challenge
I see a big difference here. One is to prevent and one is to react when something is happening. The police do not "defend and serve", our borders are not controlled by "border defenders", our military serves to "protect" our freedoms.
Jouzai Senjou!
Ok let's dig deeper and use more references.
Cambridge Dictionary
Defend: To
protect someone or something from attack or harm
Protect: To keep someone or something safe from harm, injury, damage, or loss. (see
Defend)
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Defend:
1. to fight or work hard in order to keep something from being taken away
2.
to protect from harm or danger
3. to take action against an attack or challenge;
to protect from bodily injury.
Protect:
1. to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage, or destruction
2. to defend against harm
Dictionary.com
Defend:
To
ward off attack(s); guard against assault or injury
Protect:
To defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger.
The Free Dictionary
Defend:
1. To make or keep safe from danger, attack, or harm
2. To engage in or be prepared to engage in battle
to protect from harm
Protect:
To keep from being damaged, attacked, stolen, or injured; guard. (Synonymous with
Defend)
McMillan Dictionary
Defend:
1.
To protect someone or something from attack
Protect:
1. To keep someone or something from safe from harm, injury, or danger
2. To defend, save, or prevent damage
Vocabulary.com
Defend:
1.
Protect against a challenge or attack
2.
To protect or fight for someone; to resist strongly
Protect:
1. To shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
2.
To defend; to be defensive or to act against an attack
Oxford Dictionary
Defend:
To Resist an attack made on someone or something;
to protect from harm or danger.
Protect:
to keep safe from harm or injury; to defend against attack
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