defense

[dih-fens, dee-fens]

noun

1. resistance against attack; protection.

   Two more regiments are needed for the defense of the city.

   Synonyms: safeguard, security

2. something that guards against harm, such as a fortification, physical or mental quality, or medication.

   This fort was once the main defense of the island.

3. the support of a cause or the like by speech, argument, etc..

   He spoke in defense of the nation's foreign policy.

   Synonyms: justification, advocacy, support

4. a speech, argument, etc., in vindication.

   She delivered a defense of free enterprise.

5. Law.

   1. the denial or pleading of the defendant in answer to the claim or charge that has been made.

   2. the proceedings adopted by a defendant or the defendant's legal agents, for defending against the charges that have been made.

   3. a defendant and their counsel.

6. Psychology.,  defense mechanism.

7. Sports.

   1. the practice or art of shielding oneself or one's goal from attack, as in fencing, boxing, soccer, or football.

   2. the team attempting to thwart the attack of the team having the ball or puck.

   3. the players of a team who line up in their own defensive zone.

   4. the positions on the field, ice, etc., taken by such players.

8. Also called Defense Department. (initial capital letter),  the Department of Defense.

verb (used with object)

defensed, defensing 

1. Sports.,  to defend against (an opponent, play, or tactic).

Other Word Forms

• defenseless adjective
• defenselessly adverb
• defenselessness noun
• nondefense noun
• predefense noun
• undefensed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of defense¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English from Old French from Late Latin dēfēnsa “a forbidding,” noun use of feminine of past participle of Latin dēfendere “to defend ”; replacing Middle English defens, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Medieval Latin defēnsum “(thing) forbidden,” neuter past participle of Latin dēfendere

Example Sentences

Serra players kept cramping on defense, repeatedly slowing down Sierra Canyon’s up-tempo offense.

From Los Angeles Times

The Chargers defense has been playing well but tends to struggle with mobile quarterbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

He turned acrobatic plays on defense that refueled his once-dwindling confidence.

From Los Angeles Times

Skipper was pleased with a defense that did not allow a point in the second half against Northwestern last week, helping the team’s comeback bid.

From Los Angeles Times

“Mr. Combs has been given his life by this jury,” defense attorney Marc Agnifilo told the judge.

From Los Angeles Times