Defense Definition
dĭ-fĕns
defense, defenses
noun
defenses
The act or power of defending, or guarding against attack, harm, or danger.
Webster's New World
The fact or state of being defended.
Webster's New World
Something that defends; means of or resources for protection.
Webster's New World
The act or an instance of defending a championship against a challenger.
Will box in his third defense of his title.
American Heritage
Justification or support by speech or writing; vindication.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- vindication
- apology
- justification
- apologia
- apologetic
- defensive measure
- defence
- defending team
- defence mechanism
- defense reaction
- defense-mechanism
- defence reaction
- dod
- United States Department of Defense
- Defense Department
verb
To plan or execute a defense against (esp. an offensive maneuver) in a game or sport.
Webster's New World
To attempt to stop (the opposition) from scoring.
American Heritage
To play defense against (an opponent or play).
American Heritage
idiom
on defense
- engaged in an attempt to prevent an opposing team from scoring
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Defense
Noun
Singular:
defense
Plural:
defensesIdioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Defense
- on defense
Origin of Defense
-
Middle English from Old French from Latin dēfēnsa from feminine past participle of dēfendere to ward off defend
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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