This is the 698th most frequent French word.
défendre
To defend or to forbid.
The word 'défendre' here means 'to defend', referring to justifying or protecting one's opinions or propositions.
Je dois défendre mes idées lors de la réunion.
I must defend my ideas during the meeting.
Here, 'défendre' means 'to forbid', signaling a prohibition or restriction enforced by law.
La loi défend de fumer dans les lieux publics.
The law forbids smoking in public places.
In this sentence, 'défendre' refers to the act of protecting or guarding a territorial boundary.