défendaient

défendaient

"Défendaient" means "were defending" in English.

Here, 'défendaient' is used to describe an ongoing action in the past: soldiers performing the act of defense courageously for their fort.

Les soldats défendaient courageusement leur fort.

The soldiers were courageously defending their fort.

In this sentence, 'défendaient' represents an habitual action in the past: continuously advocating or supporting their ideas passionately.

Ils défendaient toujours leurs idées avec passion.

They always defended their ideas with passion.

Here, 'défendaient' implies a repeated or conventional action in the past: protecting their children against criticism.

Avant, les parents défendaient leurs enfants contre les critiques.

Before, parents used to defend their children against criticism.