defence

Meaning

Noun

1. (UK, countable, uncountable) The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
2. (UK, countable, uncountable) Something used to oppose attacks.
3. (UK, countable, uncountable) An argument in support or justification of something.
4. (UK, countable, uncountable) A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
5. (UK, countable, uncountable) The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
6. (UK, countable, uncountable) Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
7. (UK, countable, obsolete, uncountable) Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.

Verb

To furnish with defences; to fortify.

Synonyms

defense

protection

defense

guard

💂

safeguard

excuse

advocacy

justification

vindication

preservation

pleading

defensive

support

shield

🛡️

security

defense team

aegis

apology

championship

cover

defending team

demurrer

denial

explanation

fortification

intercession

keeping

plea

protective

rear

rearguard

refutation

screen

defence mechanism

defense mechanism

defense reaction

defensive structure

defense force

defence force

defensive measure

defence reaction

defense lawyers

pretext

prop

proscription

defendant

protection of st against st

defensive preparations

buckler

answer

Translations

défense

Verteidigung

defensa

defensa

difesa

άμυνα

Abwehr

verdediging

υπεράσπιση

weer

🔁

defesa

Wehr

Rechtfertigung

verweer

Pronounced as (IPA)

/dɪˈfɛns/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: defens

In summary

From Middle English defens, defense, from Old French defens, defense, from Late Latin dēfēnsa (“protection”). Displaced Old English bewering.

Sentences

Bishop Synesius took part in the defence of the city .