Defend
U.S. Naturalization Test (2025 Standard) glossary · Civics
Definition
To protect - what the Oath promises the Constitution.
Defend in plain English
To defend means to protect something from harm. In the Oath of Allegiance you take to become a citizen, you promise to "support and defend" the U.S. Constitution — the country's basic rulebook. That doesn't automatically mean fighting in a war: the Oath lists several ways to defend, and the law decides which applies to you (military service if called, non-combat military work, or important civilian work of national importance). Most citizens defend simply by staying loyal and law-abiding and standing up for the rights the Constitution protects.
Learn these first
Related U.S. Naturalization Test (2025 Standard) terms
U.S. Naturalization Test (2025 Standard) practice questions · U.S. Naturalization Test (2025 Standard) flashcards · U.S. Naturalization Test (2025 Standard) study guide