To protect or defend someone; to cover for or stand up for someone; also to favor or shield an injured part when moving. Often written in kana.
彼は友達のミスをかばって、上司に本当のことを言わなかった。
He covered for his friend's mistake and didn't tell the boss the truth.
母親は子どもをかばって言い訳をした。
The mother made excuses to protect her child.
足をかばって歩いていたので、腰まで痛くなった。
Because I was favoring my leg when walking, my lower back started to hurt.
彼女は部下の失敗を公にかばわなかったが、個別に助けていた。
She didn't publicly cover for her subordinate's failure, but she helped them privately.