Cryptic crossword clue
Part of OED finished and justified 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DEFENDED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
D
E
F
E
N
D
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D

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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does DEFENDED mean?

DEFENDED verb
  1. To ward off attacks against; to fight to protect; to guard.
  2. To support by words or writing; to vindicate, talk in favour of.
  3. To make legal defence of; to represent (the accused).
  4. To focus one's energies and talents on preventing opponents from scoring, as opposed to focusing on scoring.
  5. To attempt to retain a title, or attempt to reach the same stage in a competition as one did in the previous edition of that competition.
  6. To call a raise from the big blind.
  7. To ward off, repel (an attack or attacker).
  8. To prevent, to keep (from doing something).
  9. To prohibit, forbid.

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