defense
noun
de·fense
| \ di-ˈfen(t)s
; as antonym of "offense" often ˈdē-ˌfen(t)s
\
; as antonym of "offense" often ˈdē-ˌfen(t)s
\
Definition of defense
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: the act or action of defending (see defend)
the defense of our country speak out in defense of justice quickly jumped to her friend's defense
b
law
: the denial, answer, or plea (see plea sense 2b) of one against whom a criminal or civil action is brought : a defendant 's denial, answer, or plea
2a
: capability of resisting attack
the body's defense against disease
b
sports
: ability to keep an opponent from scoring in a game or contest : defensive play or ability
a player known for good defense
3a
: means or method of defending or protecting oneself, one's team, or another
the nation's air and ground defenses Big shells are an effective defense against these predators as well.— Gregory P. Dietl
also
: a defensive structure
b
: an argument in support or justification
offered no defense of his actions
c
law
: the collected facts and method adopted by a defendant to protect and defend against a plaintiff's action
His lawyers used an insanity defense.
4a
law
: a defending party or group (as in a court of law)
The defense rests.
b
sports
: a defensive team
He was the linchpin of one of the league's stoutest defenses …— Sarah Kwak
defense
verb
defensed;
defensing
Definition of defense (Entry 2 of 2)
sports
: to take specific defensive action against (an opposing team or player or an offensive play) : to attempt to keep (an opponent or play) from scoring in a game or contest
The gangly Pressey was clearly Milwaukee's only real hope of defensing Bird …— Jack McCallum
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Other Words from defense
Noun
defenseless
\ di-ˈfen(t)s-ləs
\
adjective
\
adjective
defenselessly
adverb
defenselessness
noun
Synonyms for defense
Synonyms: Noun
aegis (also egis), ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward
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Examples of defense in a Sentence
Noun
They put up a good defense, but the city ultimately fell to the invaders. They mounted a good defense. The city's defenses were not strong enough to keep out the invaders. We need to improve our defenses. the nation's air and ground defenses
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
The review concluded the deputy was justified to fire in defense of himself and others in the crowd. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "DA clears cops in five shootings and in-custody death incidents," 30 Aug. 2019 Police are trying to determine whether this is a case of justifiable self-defense. — CBS News, "Police trying to determine if Ohio homeowner was justified in killing two teens," 30 Aug. 2019 The incident marks the first time a moose has been killed for self defense in Kincaid Park this year, according to Dave Battle, area biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. — Michelle Theriault Boots, Anchorage Daily News, "A moose charged his 3-year-old son in an Anchorage park. He shot and killed it.," 27 Aug. 2019 Kevin Molino got in behind Atlanta’s defense and sent a cross to Robin Lod, who’s quality touch went off the post and into the net. — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, "Minnesota United falls 2-1 to Atlanta in U.S. Open Cup final," 27 Aug. 2019 Things escalate, and Kaluuya kills the officer in self-defense, which sends the duo on the run. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "The Buzziest Movies Coming Out This Fall Are All Directed by Women," 26 Aug. 2019 Numerous celebrities, including singer and family friend Elton John, who provided the plane, have since spoken out in defense of the couple. — Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, "Kate Middleton and Prince William Join Queen Elizabeth to Attend Church Services in Scotland," 25 Aug. 2019 The verdict came about a half-hour after jurors sent out a note saying they were confused by the state’s self-defense law. — Terry Spencer And Mike Schneider, USA TODAY, "Florida man convicted in parking lot shooting of black man," 24 Aug. 2019 The verdict came about a half-hour after jurors sent out a note saying they were confused by the state's self-defense law. — Terry Spencer, orlandosentinel.com, "Florida man convicted in handicap parking spot shooting of black man," 23 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
These are some of the questions that defense attorneys asked a Yale University student who brought a rape complaint against her classmate. — Katie Reilly, Time, "A Yale Student Accused Her Classmate of Rape. His Lawyers Asked What She Was Wearing and How Much She Drank," 9 Mar. 2018 What does this mean for Kentucky’s defense moving forward? — Joe Mussatto, ajc, "Kentucky Wildcats podcast: Staff news in Lexington while coaching rumors persist in Knoxville," 30 Nov. 2017 Among the concerns for the Aztecs coming into the game was how to defense Boise State’s quarterback(s). — Kirk Kenney, sandiegouniontribune.com, "No. 19 Aztecs' winning streak ends in 31-14 loss to Boise State," 15 Oct. 2017 In fact, the alliance had long ago set a goal that each member would devote at least 2 percent of GDP to defense in their own budgets. — The Washington Post, Twin Cities, "Trump bid to smooth relations with Merkel complicated by policy, personal differences," 17 Mar. 2017 PHILADELPHIA — Sharks defense partners Brent Burns and Paul Martin have a pretty special relationship. — Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, "Sharks’ Paul Martin having a role in Brent Burns’ success," 10 Feb. 2017 The Lakers cut the lead to 10 in the third quarter and to 12 in the fourth, but no one other than Jordan Clarkson could give the surging Clippers defense any problems. — Dan Woike, Orange County Register, "‘Unstoppable’ DeAndre Jordan dominates as Clippers beat Lakers, 113-97," 14 Jan. 2017 Trump has called for massive hikes to defense spending and harsh cuts to domestic agencies in his 2018 budget, a proposal that many Republicans have rejected out of hand. — The Washington Post, The Denver Post, "Congress passes spending deal to keep the federal government open another week," 28 Apr. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'defense.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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