defense
- resistance against attack; protection: Two more regiments are needed for the defense of the city.
- something that defends, as a fortification, physical or mental quality, or medication: This fort was once the main defense of the island.
- the defending of a cause or the like by speech, argument, etc.: He spoke in defense of the nation's foreign policy.
- a speech, argument, etc., in vindication: She delivered a defense of free enterprise.
- Law.
- the denial or pleading of the defendant in answer to the claim or charge that has been made.
- the proceedings adopted by a defendant, or the defendant's legal agents, for defending against the charges that have been made.
- a defendant and his or her counsel.
- Psychology. defense mechanism(def 2).
- Sports.
- the practice or art of defending oneself or one's goal against attack, as in fencing, boxing, soccer, or football.
- the team attempting to thwart the attack of the team having the ball or puck.
- the players of a team who line up in their own defensive zone.
- the positions on the field, ice, etc., taken by such players.
- (initial capital letter) Also called Defense Department. Informal. the Department of Defense.
- Sports. to defend against (an opponent, play, or tactic).
Origin of defense
Synonyms for defense
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words for defense
shield, fence, wall, resistance, guard, aegis, munitions, rampart, fastness, buttress, fortification, arms, bastion, immunity, citadel, stockade, shelter, dike, protection, wardExamples from the Web for defense
Contemporary Examples of defense
But, but … there was a token black girl in the background, Target cried in its defense!
Among other things, the bill appropriates $1.1 trillion in funding—including over $550 billion for the Department of Defense.
The military commission this week was to focus on the alleged FBI infiltration of one of the defense teams.
Patrick, who is openly gay and escaped the church with Fenner, is coming to their defense.
When my husband and I asked to see the report, we were told we could purchase the report for $30,000 from the defense.
Historical Examples of defense
If Robert possessed his acknowledgment he would have no defense to make.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
Peace can be contributed to by respect for our ability in defense.
We must acquire proficiency in defense and display stamina in purpose.
There was no especial change in the girl's voice as she answered his defense.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
The Inspector seized on the one flaw left him for defense against her indictment.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
Word Origin and History for defense
c.1300, "forbidding, prohibition," also "action of guarding or protecting," from Old French defense, from Latin defensus, past participle of defendere "ward off, protect" (see defend). But it also arrived (without the final -e) from Old French defens, from Latin defensum "thing protected or forbidden," neuter past participle of defendere.
Defens was assimilated into defense, but not before it inspired the alternative spelling defence, via the same tendency that produced hence (hennis), pence (penies), dunce (Duns). First used 1935 as a euphemism for "national military resources." Defense mechanism in psychology is from 1913.
defense
(dĭ-fĕns′)- A means or method that helps protect the body or mind, as against disease or anxiety.