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)

defensed, defensing.

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

Other Word Forms

• 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 ex-footballer likened it to returning a kickoff and taking advantage of a fleeting hole in the defense.

From Los Angeles Times

The defense has filed a motion to stay the proceedings, with the next court hearing set for April 24.

From Los Angeles Times

In a matter of days, Justice Department lawyers and administration officials have burned through basic legal duties in defense of a hideously unlawful scheme that seeks to permanently render innocent people to a black site.

From Salon

This defense tactic is also a testament to elephants’ communication skills.

From Los Angeles Times

Moreover, his staunch defense of the free market put him at odds with ordinary Peruvians, who were reeling from the country’s economic crisis and a burgeoning civil conflict.

From Los Angeles Times