Definition

1. Noun:
   • The action of defending from or resisting attack: "Defence" refers to the act of protecting someone or something against harm, danger, or attack.
   • Something that provides protection: "Defence" can also mean a structure, system, or measure used to guard against attack.
   • Justification or argument in support of something: In a non-physical context, "defence" means the act of speaking or writing in support of a person, idea, or action that is being criticized.
   • The case presented by or on behalf of the party being accused in a court of law: In legal contexts, "defence" refers to the arguments and evidence presented to counter the charges.
   • The team or players in a sport who try to prevent the opposing team from scoring: In sports, "defence" is the collective effort or the players responsible for stopping the opponent's attack.
   • An unconscious mental process to avoid anxiety: In psychology, a "defence mechanism" is a thought or behavior used to protect oneself from unpleasant feelings or realities.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The city's defence against the invasion was heroic. (The act of protecting the city.)
  • The castle's thick walls were its main defence. (A protective structure.)
  • She spoke in defence of her colleague's controversial decision. (Justification or argument in support.)
  • The defence presented new evidence to the jury. (The legal case for the accused.)
  • Their team's defence is very strong this season. (The sporting team or its protective play.)
  • Repression is a common psychological defence. (An unconscious protective process.)

Advanced Usage

• "In defence of": To protect or support someone or something.
  • He wrote an article in defence of free speech.
• "The best defence is a good offence" (Idiom): Being proactive and attacking is the most effective way to protect yourself.
  • The general believed the best defence was a good offence and ordered an immediate attack.
• "To come to someone's defence": To support or defend someone who is being criticized or attacked.
  • When he was unfairly blamed, several colleagues came to his defence.

Variants and Related Words

• Defend (verb): To protect from harm or danger.
  • Soldiers defend their country.
• Defensive (adjective): Used or intended to defend or protect; sensitive to criticism.
  • The army took a defensive position.
  • He became very defensive when asked about the mistake.
• Defenceless (adjective): Without protection; vulnerable.
  • The defenceless civilians sought shelter.

Synonyms

• Protection: The act of keeping someone or something safe from harm.
• Guard: To watch over and protect.
• Justification: The action of showing something to be right or reasonable.
• Vindication: The action of clearing someone of blame or suspicion.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Defend against: To protect from a specific threat.
  • Vaccines help defend against serious diseases.
• Stand up for: To defend or support a person or idea.
  • You must stand up for your beliefs.

Related Idioms

• On the defensive: In a state or position of defending against criticism or attack.
  • The scandal put the company permanently on the defensive.
• A tower of strength/defence: A person who can be relied upon for strong support or protection.
  • During the crisis, she was a tower of defence for her family.

Noun

1. the act of defending someone or something against attack or injury
   • a good boxer needs a good defense
   • defense against hurricanes is an urgent problem
2. protection from harm
   • sanitation is the best defense against disease
3. (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
   • they died in the defense of Stalingrad
   • they were developed for the defense program
4. a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him
   • he gave evidence for the defense
5. a structure used to defend against attack
   • the artillery battered down the defenses
6. the justification for some act or belief
   • he offered a persuasive defense of the theory
7. the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions
   • his refutation of the charges was short and persuasive
   • in defense he said the other man started it
8. an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack
   • he joined the defense against invasion
9. the defendant and his legal advisors collectively
   • the defense called for a mistrial
10. (sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring
    • his teams are always good on defense
11. (psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires