WordGarden.iodefense
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪˈfɛns/countableuncountablenoun
US
- /dɪˈfɛns/
Meanings
Noun
protection against attack, harm, or criticism
the side, lawyers, or arguments representing a defendant in court
the players or tactics used to stop the other team from scoring
More meaningsFewer meanings
military action, planning, or equipment used to protect against attack
a statement or set of reasons used to justify someone or something
Beyond the definition
Defense isn't just about soldiers and shields! It's any way of protecting something—yourself, your team, your beliefs, or even your castle in a game. A strong defense can be physical, like building a wall around a city, or abstract, like arguing your point in a debate. Think of a basketball player blocking a shot—that's defense in action! Or consider how a lawyer builds a defense for their client; they're protecting them from legal harm. Sometimes, it's simply about justifying yourself, offering a defense against criticism.
Defense refers to the act of resisting or preventing attack, harm, or unwanted outcomes. It encompasses a wide range of actions and strategies used to safeguard something valuable—whether that's physical safety, personal beliefs, or national security.
Historically, defense conjures images of military fortifications and soldiers protecting their territory. But it extends far beyond the battlefield. In sports, defense is a crucial part of the game, focused on preventing the opposing team from scoring. For example, a commentator might note, "Their defensive line was impenetrable."
Figuratively, we use defense to describe justifications or explanations offered in response to criticism or accusations. "He mounted a vigorous defense against the charges," means he strongly argued his innocence. You might offer a defense of your actions if someone questions your choices.
The word also takes the form of the adjective defensive to describe things designed for protection, such as a "defensive strategy" or "defensive driving." Psychologically, we all utilize defense mechanisms—unconscious strategies used to protect ourselves from emotional pain or anxiety.
Whether it's a physical barrier, a legal argument, a sports tactic, or a psychological shield, defense is about protecting what matters most and resisting anything that threatens it.
Examples
- 1
Castle protection
The castle's thick walls were built for defense.
- 2
National security
The government plans to increase spending on national defense.
- 3
Legal argument
The lawyer's defense was that his client was at home that night.
- 4
Supporting someone
She spoke in defense of her coworker when others started blaming him.
- Patternin defense of + person/thing
to support them against criticism
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Personal safety
He took a self-defense class after a scary incident on the train.
- Phraseself-defense
protecting yourself from attack
- 6
Sports
Their defense played much better in the second half.
- Domainin sports, defense
the players or tactics that stop the other team from scoring
- 7
Excuse
There is no defense for treating staff that way.
- Patternno defense for + action
no good reason or excuse for it
- 8
Personal explanation
"In my defense, nobody told me the meeting had moved," he said.
- PhraseIn my defense
said before giving an explanation or excuse
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- security
- self-defense
- resistance
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- national defense
- defense against
- in defense of
- defense mechanism
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- defenseAmericannoun
Forms
- defensesAmericanpluralnoun
Spelling variants
- defenceBritishnoun
- defencesBritishnoun