Cool MateDefend vs Run interference
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Defend
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Run interference
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: DefendMost common: Defend
| Defend | Run interference | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈfend/","/dɪˈfendz/","/dɪˈfendɪd/","/dɪˈfendɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈfend/","/dɪˈfendz/","/dɪˈfendɪd/","/dɪˈfendɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //rʌn ˌɪntəˈfɪərəns//🇺🇸 //rʌn ˌɪntərˈfɪrəns// |
| Meaning | To protect or support something or someone. | To help someone by blocking or stopping something. |
| Example | It is important to defend your point of view during a debate. | I will run interference for you while you talk to the boss. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | adequately, effectively, properly, against, actively, aggressively, fiercely, against, adequately, effectively, properly, against, successfully, against | run interference for someone, run interference during a discussion, run interference in negotiations |
| Antonyms | attack, abandon | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'defence' — remember 'defend' is the verb., Incorrect subject-verb agreement — ensure subject matches (e.g., 'he defends', not 'he defend')., Using 'defend' in contexts where 'support' would be more appropriate. | Used in the wrong context, like literal running., Confused with 'run' as in exercise., Not using it when it’s appropriate for helping someone. |
| Usage notes | Use 'defend' when talking about protecting an idea, person, or position. It is appropriate in both casual and formal situations, but avoid using it in overly aggressive contexts. | Used in casual conversations when someone needs help in a difficult situation. It's informal, so avoid using it in formal writing or speeches. |
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Frequently asked questions: Defend vs Run interference
What's the difference between Defend and Run interference?
Defend: To protect or support something or someone. Run interference: To help someone by blocking or stopping something.
Which is more formal: Defend and Run interference?
Defend is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Defend and Run interference?
Defend is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Defend: It is important to defend your point of view during a debate. Run interference: I will run interference for you while you talk to the boss.
Can I use Defend and Run interference interchangeably?
Not always. Defend and Run interference are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.