protect
King Edward protected the castle with no fewer than six main gates!
safeguard
The sentries safeguarded the palace.
➔ See shelter (1) (#litres_trial_promo)
defend (2) VERB
If you defend a person or their ideas, you argue in support of them.
justify
Anita justified hitting the boy by claiming that he had hit her first.
speak up for
Amal spoke up for his friend, despite the bully’s threats.
stick up for INFORMAL
“Thank you for sticking up for me,” said Lisa gratefully.
support
Dad supported me when our neighbour complained about the noise.
definite ADJECTIVE
Something that is definite is clear and unlikely to be changed.
certain
“It is certain that I will be having a birthday party,” Molly told us.
guaranteed
My uncle secured us guaranteed seats for the big game.
positive
The contestant gave a very positive answer. Sadly, it was the wrong one.
sure
Being sulky is a sure way to lose friends.
ANTONYM: uncertain
definitely ADVERB OR INTERJECTION
Definitely can mean certainly and without doubt.
absolutely
“Are you able to play?” I asked. “Absolutely!” came Deepak’s reply.
beyond any doubt
Beyond any doubt, the German was the best racing driver in the world.
certainly
The coach admitted, “We’ve certainly got a good team this year.”
plainly
The witness was plainly going to say nothing.
unquestionably
The banquet was unquestionably the largest meal he had ever eaten.
delay (1) NOUN
If there is a delay, something does not happen until later than planned or expected.
hold-up
At the last minute, there was a hold-up in the live TV broadcast.
pause
After a pause, the mayor continued his speech.
postponement
Owing to the storms, there was a 24-hour postponement in the rocket launch.
setback
There were a few minor setbacks before the house was built.
wait
We had a slight wait before being ushered in to meet the prince.