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 ( def 2 ).
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. (initial capital letter) Also called Defense Department. Informal. the Department of Defense.

verb (used with object)

, de·fensed, de·fens·ing.

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

Other Words From

• 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

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

The researchers found that adult chimpanzees were more likely to engage in social play before participating in group activities, such as monkey hunting or territorial defense against hostile outsiders.

From Science Daily

The International Criminal Court announced Wednesday that it had issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, and charged them with war crimes and crimes against humanity.

From Salon

For example, copper ions are involved in antioxidant defense.

From Science Daily

I think it’s sort of her defense mechanism — if I get there first, no one can get to it before me.

From Los Angeles Times

The Browns are coming off an embarrassing loss at New Orleans and their defense is breaking down.

From Los Angeles Times