He tried to . . . . . . . . himself against a horde of ruffians.

The correct answer is C. defend.

The word “defend” means to protect someone or something from attack or harm. In this case, the man is trying to protect himself from a group of ruffians.

The other options are not

41.5 48.3 47.8C117.2 448 288 448 288 448s170.8 0 213.4-11.5c23.5-6.3 42-24.2 48.3-47.8 11.4-42.9 11.4-132.3 11.4-132.3s0-89.4-11.4-132.3zm-317.5 213.5V175.2l142.7 81.2-142.7 81.2z"/> Subscribe on YouTube