להגן — meaning in English: protect

lehagen · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to defend

שיבח

shibe'akh

מונחים

munakhim

להגן

lehagen

רעיונות

ra'ayonot

נגדם

negdam

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neutral common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers often use the word להגן (lehagen) in various contexts, particularly when discussing safety or security. For instance, you might hear it during conversations about protecting one's family or home, as well as in legal or political discussions regarding the protection of rights and freedoms.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is שמור (shamor), which also means to guard or preserve, but להגן (lehagen) carries a more active connotation, often implying a defense against threats. You would choose להגן (lehagen) when emphasizing proactive measures to shield something or someone from harm.

Culture

The word להגן (lehagen) has roots in the Hebrew language that connect to concepts of safeguarding and preservation. Interestingly, the importance of protection is deeply woven into Israeli culture, where notions of defense and security are prominent due to the country's historical and geopolitical context. The term is often used in both everyday life and public discourse, illustrating the collective value placed on safety.

FAQ

Q.How do you use the word להגן in a sentence?

You can use להגן in sentences like 'אני מגן על המשפחה שלי' (Ani magen al hamishpacha sheli), which means 'I protect my family.' This structure highlights personal commitment to protection.

Q.What are some common phrases that include להגן?

Common phrases include 'להגן על זכויות' (lehagen al zchuyot), meaning 'to protect rights,' and 'להגן על עצמך' (lehagen al atzmecha), meaning 'to protect yourself.' These phrases demonstrate the flexibility of the word in various contexts.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using להגן?

A frequent mistake is confusing להגן with other verbs like לשמור (lishmor, to keep) or לשמור על (lishmor al, to guard), which are more passive. Remember that להגן implies an active role in protection, so use it when you want to convey that sense of proactive safeguarding.

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