A more thorough explanation:

Definition: To deny, contest, or oppose an allegation or claim. It can also mean to represent someone as an attorney.

1. The defendant hired a skilled lawyer to defend him in court.

2. The company had to defend itself against accusations of fraud.

In the first example, the accused person hired a lawyer to defend him in court. This means that the lawyer will argue on behalf of the accused person and try to prove his innocence.

In the second example, the company had to defend itself against accusations of fraud. This means that the company had to deny or oppose the allegations made against it and prove that it did not commit any fraudulent activities.