An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

1) To ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury.
2) To maintain by argument, evidence, etc.; uphold (Dictionary.com).

From → de- "from, away," + -fendere "to strike, push," → offend.

Padâfandidan, from padâfand, from prefix pad- "contrary to; against; opposing," → counter-, + âfand "strife, war," → offend.

A person who defends someone or something.

→ defend; → -er.