Wicked close to contest (6)
I believe the answer is:
defend
'contest' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for defend that I've seen before include "Protect - endorse" , "Help or protect against attack" , "Compete to retain (sporting title)" , "Represent the accused" , "Protect from harm" .)