PrepMyFrench
PrepMyFrench
Conjugation directory
Défendre is a versatile verb that can mean both 'to defend' and 'to forbid,' making it essential for expressing protection or prohibition in French. Mastering its conjugation helps you discuss legal, moral, or personal boundaries effectively.
Use défendre in TEF/TCF writing to argue a point or describe rules, e.g., 'Il défend ses idées avec passion.'
Le professeur défend de parler pendant l'examen.
The teacher forbids talking during the exam.
Don't confuse défendre (to defend/forbid) with défier (to challenge); they have different meanings and conjugations.
Use the table above and the related links below to pin the pattern down before you move on to other verbs.
Start with the present tense, then the passé composé. Those two forms carry most everyday conversation and make the rest of the table easier to recognise.
Défendre typically uses avoir in compound tenses. Check the table above and keep the past participle in view when you move into compound forms.
Use the related links below and then open the interactive conjugator to compare this verb with others you use often.