1.
protection; advocacy; defense; support
Actively supporting and defending a person, cause, or right, especially against criticism or opposition. Implies standing up for something one believes in.
人権を擁護する。
To defend human rights.
彼は憲法改正に反対し、現行憲法の擁護を訴えた。
He opposed the constitutional amendment and called for the defense of the current constitution.
スキャンダルの中でも社長を擁護する社員がいた。
Even in the midst of the scandal, some employees defended the president.
A formal word often used in legal, political, and human rights contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 人権擁護 (human rights advocacy)
- 憲法擁護 (defending the constitution)
- 擁護派 (supporters, defenders — a faction)
- 擁護する立場 (a position of defending/supporting)
USAGE NOTE:
擁護 implies taking a stance and actively defending something against attack or criticism. It is stronger than 支持 (support), which can be passive. 弁護 (legal defense) is more specific to courtroom settings.