defense
defense Lexical Profile
defense Game Scores & Validity
• noun
American The action of protecting someone or something from attack, harm, or danger, or the state of being protected.
"A healthy immune system serves as the body's primary defense against infectious diseases."
American A spoken or written argument, speech, or justification used to support or vindicate an idea, cause, or person against criticism (including the formal presentation of a doctoral dissertation).
"She delivered a compelling defense of her research methodology before the university committee."
American In law, the case presented by or on behalf of the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit or criminal trial, or the legal team representing that party.
"The defense called three expert witnesses to testify about the financial records."
American In sports, the players or tactical formation on a team whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
"Their basketball team won the championship largely because of a disciplined, agile defense."
Word Nuance & Usage
Spelled "defense" in American English and "defence" in British, Canadian, and Australian English, though the derived adjective "defensive" uses an "s" across all varieties.
• Rhymes for defense
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English, from Old French defense, from Late Latin defensa, originally the feminine past participle of Latin defendere ("to ward off, protect").