defense

noun

US /dɪˈfens/

Word Forms

singular	defense
plural	defenses

1
uncountable actions that you take to protect someone or something that is being attacked
come/rush to someone’s defense:
Two of his friends came to his defense.
Synonyms and related words
The practice or process of protecting
protection
defense
safekeeping
1. 1a
  uncountable the system of weapons, equipment, and people used for protecting a country
  Huge amounts of government money are spent on defense.
  an attempt to reduce the defense budget
  The president has promised to increase defense spending.
  Synonyms and related words
  General words for weapons and ammunition
  ammo
  ammunition
  armaments
2. 1b
  countable usually pluralthe particular structures, weapons, and people that are used to protect a place
  The city walls were built as a defense against invaders.
  He stressed the need to strengthen the nation’s defenses.
  Synonyms and related words
  General words for weapons and ammunition
  ammo
  ammunition
  armaments
2
countable/uncountable something that you say to support someone or something that is being criticized
defense of:
The President responded with a strong defense of his foreign policy.
in defense of:
Monroe has been fierce in defense of the present system.
speak/say something in someone’s defense:
Several people spoke in my defense.
come/spring/rush to someone’s defense:
Martin immediately sprang to her defense, saying she was innocent.
Synonyms and related words
Support for ideas, plans or people
support
championship
backing
1. 2a
  singular all the things that are said and shown in a court case to prove that someone is not guilty
  I think we have quite a strong defense.
  mount a defense:
  He mounted a surprisingly effective defense.
  Synonyms and related words
  Parts of trials
  appearance
  be under/on oath
  case
2. 2b
  
  the defense
  the people in a court case who try to prove that someone is not guilty
  The defense will begin giving evidence tomorrow.
  Synonyms and related words
  Lawyers and people who work in law courts
  advocate
  AG
  ambulance chaser
3
countable often pluralsomething that happens in your body to prevent you from becoming sick
new drugs that work by strengthening the body’s own defenses
Synonyms and related words
Infection and fighting infection
antibody
biosecurity
candida
4
US /ˈdifens/ uncountable the players in a team game who try to prevent the other team from scoring points
Synonyms and related words
Players and positions in various sports
all-American
back
backfield
5
singular an attempt by someone to win a competition that they won last time so they keep their position as winner
Simpson is in New York this week for the defense of his title.
Synonyms and related words
To take part in a competition or game
play
race
meet
6
countable a way of thinking or behaving that protects you from being tricked or hurt
someone’s defenses are down:
He got me to sign the contract when my defenses were down.
Synonyms and related words
Psychological processes
catharsis
complex
conditioning

defense ​‌‌‌

the defense

defense

defense