defense
resistance against attack; protection: Two more regiments are needed for the defense of the city.
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.
the support 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 their counsel.
Psychology. defense mechanism (def. 2).
Sports.
the practice or art of shielding oneself or one's goal from 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
1- Also British, defence .
Other words for defense
Other words from defense
- de·fense·less, adjective
- de·fense·less·ly, adverb
- de·fense·less·ness, noun
- non·de·fense, noun, adjective
- pre·de·fense, noun
- un·de·fensed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use defense in a sentence
On nondefense spending, Congress delivered most of what it had committed to, including in Medicare.
Reagan’s Deal With Democrats for Tax Increases Paired With Spending Cuts Is a Myth | John M. Barry | December 5, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTIt must practice rigid economy in its nondefense activities.
State of the Union Addresses of Harry S. Truman | Harry S. Truman
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