View synonyms for

defense

[ dih-fens dee-fens ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

resistance against attack; protection:
Two more regiments are needed for the defense of the city.
Synonyms: ,
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.
Synonyms: , ,
a speech, argument, etc., in vindication:
She delivered a defense of free enterprise.
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.
Psychology. defense mechanism ( def 2 ).
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.
(initial capital letter) Also called Defense Department. Informal. the Department of Defense.

verb (used with object)

defensed, defensing.

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

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Other Word Forms

��·�ڱ�Բ��·�� adjective
��·�ڱ�Բ��·��·ly adverb
��·�ڱ�Բ��·��·ness noun
�Դǲ�·��·�ڱ�Բ�� noun adjective
��·��·�ڱ�Բ�� noun
�ܲ�·��·�ڱ�Բ�� adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of defense¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English from Old French from Late Latin ��ŧ��ŧ�Բ�� “a forbidding,” noun use of feminine of past participle of Latin ��ŧ�ڱ�Ի�� “t�� defend ”; replacing Middle English defens, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Medieval Latin ��ŧ�Բ��ܳ� “(thing) forbidden,” neuter past participle of Latin ��ŧ�ڱ�Ի��

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In defense of its deportations, Trump administration lawyers have pointed to the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and said it gave the president wartime powers to quickly deport foreigners.

From

The Clippers found another gear, fielding a stingy defense and a balanced scoring attack that helped them build a 31-point lead en route to a convincing 117-83 win over the Nuggets on Thursday night.

From

As for Hegseth himself, the president still claims to love him – although there are dozens of defense and White House sources who say the hunt is on for another defense secretary.

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The defense secretary's repeated use of third-party encryption apps to share sensitive information in defiance of DoD policy has cast an unflattering spotlight on his short tenure.

From

The Cardinals have made a lot of changes to their defense but they still have work to do in that department.

From

defenestration defenseman

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