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defense
[ dih-fens or, especially for 7, 9, dee-fens ]
/ dɪˈfɛns or, especially for 7, 9, ˈdi fɛns /
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Definition of defense
noun
verb (used with object), de·fensed, de·fens·ing.
Sports. to defend against (an opponent, play, or tactic).
OTHER WORDS FOR defense
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Also British, defence .
Origin of defense
1250–1300; Middle English <Old French <Late Latin dēfēnsa a forbidding, noun use of feminine of past participle of Latin dēfendere to defend; replacing Middle English defens<Anglo-French, Old French <Medieval Latin defēnsum (thing) forbidden, neuter past participle of Latin dēfendere
OTHER WORDS FROM defense
Words nearby defense
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use defense in a sentence
Medical definitions for defense
defense
[ dĭ-fĕns′ ]
n.
A means or method that helps protect the body or mind, as against disease or anxiety.
Other words from defense
de•fen′sive (-fĕn′sĭv) adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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