Defense


noun
1.
resistance against attack; protection:
Two more regiments are needed for the defense of the city.
2.
something that defends, as a fortification, physical or mental quality, or medication:
This fort was once the main defense of the island.
3.
the defending of a cause or the like by speech, argument, etc.:
He spoke in defense of the nation’s foreign policy.
4.
a speech, argument, etc., in vindication:
She delivered a defense of free enterprise.
5.
Law.

the denial or pleading of the defendant in answer to the claim or charge that has been made.
the proceedings adopted by a defendant, or the defendant’s legal agents, for defending against the charges that have been made.
a defendant and his or her counsel.

6.
Psychology. defense mechanism (def 2).
7.
Sports.

the practice or art of defending oneself or one’s goal against attack, as in fencing, boxing, soccer, or football.
the team attempting to thwart the attack of the team having the ball or puck.
the players of a team who line up in their own defensive zone.
the positions on the field, ice, etc., taken by such players.

8.
(initial capital letter). Also called Defense Department. Informal. the Department of Defense.
verb (used with object), defensed, defensing.
9.
Sports. to defend against (an opponent, play, or tactic).

defense de·fense (dĭ-fěns’)
n.
A means or method that helps protect the body or mind, as against disease or anxiety.
de·fen’sive (-fěn’sĭv) adj.
defense

Related Terms

nickel defense

Read Also:

  • Undefensible

    adjective 1. capable of being defended against assault or injury: The troops were bivouacked in a defensible position. 2. that can be defended in argument; justifiable. adjective 1. capable of being defended, as in war, an argument, etc

  • Defensible

    adjective 1. capable of being defended against assault or injury: The troops were bivouacked in a defensible position. 2. that can be defended in argument; justifiable. adjective 1. capable of being defended, as in war, an argument, etc

  • Undefensive

    adjective 1. serving to defend; protective: defensive armament. 2. made or carried on for the purpose of resisting attack: defensive treaty; a defensive attitude. 3. of or relating to defense. 4. able to provide moderately steady growth with minimal risk: The bank has put a large percentage of its assets in defensive rather than growth […]

  • Defensive

    adjective 1. serving to defend; protective: defensive armament. 2. made or carried on for the purpose of resisting attack: defensive treaty; a defensive attitude. 3. of or relating to defense. 4. able to provide moderately steady growth with minimal risk: The bank has put a large percentage of its assets in defensive rather than growth […]

  • Deferential

    adjective 1. showing deference; deferent; respectful. adjective 1. marked by or showing deference or respect; respectful deferential def·er·en·tial (děf’ə-rěn’shəl) adj. Of or relating to the vas deferens.


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