📒 the act of protecting somebody/something from attack, criticism, etc.
- in defense of somebody/something soldiers who died in defense of their country
- What points can be raised in defense of this argument?
- in somebody's defense I have to say in her defense that she knew nothing about it beforehand.
📒 something that provides protection against attack from enemies, the weather, illness, etc.
- They are responsible for maintaining coastal flood defenses.
- At this point the country had no effective air defenses.
- defense against something The town walls were built as a defense against enemy attacks.
📒 the organization of the people and systems that are used by a government to protect a country from attack
- (US English) the Department of Defense
- (British English) the Ministry of Defence
- Issues of national defense are a matter for the government.
📒 something that is said or written in order to support something
📒 what is said in court to prove that a person did not commit a crime; the act of presenting this argument in court
- Her defense was that she was somewhere completely different at the time of the crime.
- He wanted to conduct his own defense.
- The judge rejected her insanity defense.
📒 the lawyer or lawyers whose job is to prove in court that a person did not commit a crime
- The defense requested more time to prepare their case.
- the defense lawyer/counsel/attorney
- a witness for the defense
📒 the players who must prevent the other team from scoring; the position of these players on the sports field
- Lattimore cut through the defense for a 52-yard touchdown.
- on defense (North American English) She plays on defense.
- in defence (British English) She plays in defence.
📒 a contest, game, etc. in which the previous winner or winners compete in order to try to win again
- Osaka begins her defense of the US Open title.