プログレッシブ和英中辞典(第4版)の解説
とうべん【答弁】
((give)) an answer, a reply；〔弁明〕an explanation；〔被告側の〕a defense
答弁する answer; reply ((to))
責任者に答弁を求めた
We demanded an explanation from the person in charge.
経済政策に関する答弁で首相は統計を並べ立てた
In defense of his economic policies, the Prime Minister quoted a long series of statistics.
首相に替わって財務大臣が答弁に立った
The Finance Minister replied [stood up to answer] for the Prime Minister.
答弁に窮してしまった
I didn't know how to answer [explain].／I was at a loss what to tell him.