Defend (status)

Defend, also known as Guard and Parry, is a recurring status in the Final Fantasy series, usually caused by the ability of the same name. Characters in this status take a defensive stance that causes them to take less damage.

Final Fantasy IV
Caused by the Defend command, Defend causes the character to have doubled Defense until the start of their next turn.

Final Fantasy IV -Interlude-
Defend returns as a status in the sequel of Final Fantasy IV, and works the same as it does in the original.

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
Defend is, again, a status that doubles the character's defense until the character's input window is displayed again.

Final Fantasy VII
Every character can use the Defend command to gain this status, which causes them to take half damage until the start of their next turn.

Final Fantasy VIII
Defend is caused by the Brothers' ability. It grants the character immunity to physical attacks and halves magical damage. If the user is attacked by a physical attack that would cause a status effect, the status effect will never be applied. The status lasts until the character picks their next move.

Final Fantasy X
A character will automatically defend against physical attacks when their turn is skipped through. When defending, damage from physical attacks is halved.

Final Fantasy Tactics
The Defend status doubles the character's chance of evading an attack until his next turn. The Thief's reaction ability, Vigilance, can trigger the defending stance when the user is being attacked, as can the Squire's Defend ability.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Defend increases the units' weapon and magic resistance until the unit next moves.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
Defend increases the unit's Defense and Resistance until the next turn. There is a stronger version, Bulwark, which makes the unit impervious to damage for one turn.