defend
Definition
To defend means to protect someone in a legal dispute by hiring lawyers, paying legal fees, and fighting the case on their behalf. This obligation often shows up in contracts where one party promises to step in and handle the legal battle if the other party gets sued over something related to their agreement.
Example
If you hire a web developer who accidentally uses someone else's copyrighted images on your site, and you get sued for it, a solid contract would require the developer to defend you by paying for your lawyers and fighting the lawsuit.
Watch Out
When you sign a contract agreeing to defend another party, you could end up paying enormous legal bills even if you did nothing wrong, so always make sure this obligation runs both ways or is capped at a reasonable amount.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.