Verb choice with reflexive pronoun – defensive action against attackers Complete the sentence with the most appropriate verb: "He tried to ______ himself against a horde of ruffians." Choose the verb that best collocates with "oneself" and "against".

Given data

• Construction: verb + reflexive pronoun + "against".

Concept/Approach
The natural collocation is defend oneself against (an attack/attacker). While "protect oneself from" is also correct, the preposition against strongly favours "defend".

Option analysis
defend — best fit with "against": "defend himself against …." ✅safe — adjective, not a verb.secure — verb, but we usually "secure oneself against risk" in technical contexts; less idiomatic for a physical attack.protect — would typically pair with "from": "protect himself from …."

Final Answer
defend