To sign "defend," start by forming both hands into "S" shapes, which look like closed fists. Cross your wrists in front of your chest, keeping your palms facing toward your body. With your arms crossed, push both fists forward slightly in a firm, unified motion. This sign is highly visual and represents holding up a shield or bracing yourself to block an attack. Make sure the movement is strong and deliberate to convey the concept of protection.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'will', then use the 'defend' sign pushing slightly outward, followed by the sign for 'friend'.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'must' (an 'X' handshape pushing down), and then sign 'defend' with a strong, firm forward motion.
Sign 'dog', then sign 'defend' moving outward to show the action of guarding, and finish with 'our house'.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'will', then use the 'defend' sign pushing slightly outward, followed by the sign for 'friend'.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'must' (an 'X' handshape pushing down), and then sign 'defend' with a strong, firm forward motion.
Sign 'dog', then sign 'defend' moving outward to show the action of guarding, and finish with 'our house'.
Yes, in ASL, the signs for 'defend', 'protect', and 'guard' are generally the same. The context of your conversation will naturally clarify whether you mean defending an argument in court, protecting a friend, or guarding a physical location.
No, it doesn't strictly matter which arm is on top when you cross your wrists. Most signers naturally place their dominant hand's wrist on top or slightly in front, but either configuration is perfectly acceptable and easily understood.
Yes! 'Defend' can be directional. You can push your crossed fists outward to mean 'defend someone else,' or you can pull the crossed fists slightly toward your own body to mean 'defend me' or 'protect myself.'
