to argue; to answer back; to backtalk
After being shown what was wrong with his behaviour, he still argued
To answer one's parents/teachers back
Don't talk back to me!
to defend; to act as advocate for ...
The lawyer did his best to defend his client and clear him of all charges
To reason in a circle; to persist in advancing chicaneries
to deny; to contradict; to protest
Who dare protest the word a mandarin speaks?
She deliberately contradicts me