noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
Formal term for speaking out against an accusation, decision, or claim; often used in legal, political, or official contexts. Can be used as a noun or with する.
被告は裁判で無実を抗弁した。
The defendant pleaded not guilty in court.
彼の抗弁は説得力がなかった。
His protest lacked persuasiveness.