defence

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɛns/
(US defense)

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the action of defending from or resisting attack: methods of defence against this kind of attack she came to the defence of the eccentric professor he spoke in defence of a disciplined approach
  • [count noun] an instance of defending a title or seat in a contest or election: his first title defence against Jones
  • military measures or resources for protecting a country: the minister of defence [as modifier]: defence policy
  • a means of protecting something from attack: wire netting is the best defence against rabbits
  • (defences) fortifications or barriers against attack: coastal defences
  • 2the case presented by or on behalf of the party accused of a crime or being sued in a civil lawsuit: the farmer’s defence was that he intended only to wound the thief
  • (the defence) [treated as singular or plural] the counsel for the defendant in a lawsuit: the defence requested more time to prepare their case
  • 3(in sport) the action or role of defending one’s goal or wicket against the opposition: Wolves were pressed back into defence
  • (the defence) the players in a team who defend the goal: despite heavy pressure the defence was coping well Ford returns to United’s defence [count noun]: dribbling through defences

Phrases

defence in depth

the arrangement of defensive lines or fortifications so that they can defend each other.

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French defens, from late Latin defensum (neuter), defensa (feminine), past participles of defendere 'defend'

Spelling help

The ending of defence is spelled -ence (the spelling defense is American).