| Answer | Crossword Clue |
|---|---|
| answering | Defend oneself against (a charge, accusation, or criticism) |
| answered | Defend oneself against (a charge, accusation, or criticism) |
| gravamen | the part of an accusation that weighs most heavily against the accused; the substantial part of a charge or complaint |
| fort | to defend one's position against attack or criticism |
