(British defence)
Translate defense | into French | into German | into Spanish Definition of defense
noun
1the action of defending from or resisting attack:they relied on missiles for the country’s defense she came to the defense of the eccentric professor attempted justification or vindication of something:he spoke in defense of a disciplined approach an instance of defending a title or seat in a contest or election:his first title defense against Jones military measures or resources for protecting a country:the minister of defense [as modifier]:defense policy a means of protecting something from attack:education is the best defense against tyranny (
defenses)
fortifications or barriers against attack:coastal defenses (in sports) the action or role of defending one’s goal against the opposition:we played solid defense (
the defense)
the players in a team who defend the goal.
2the case presented by or on behalf of the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit.
3 (usually
the defense)
[treated as singular or plural] one or more defendants and the counsel in a trial:the defense requested more time to prepare their case
