defense

Definitions

1. noun

   Action taken to protect against attack or danger.

   Examples

   • The soldiers organized a strong defense of the fort.
   • The wall gave defense against invaders.
2. noun

   The plan a team uses to stop the other team scoring.

   Examples

   • The coach made a new defense for the season.
   • Their defense held strong in the final minutes.
3. noun

   The players on a team who stop the other team from scoring.

   Examples

   • The defense forced a key turnover.
   • He plays on the defense, not the offense.
4. noun

   An argument that supports an idea or action.

   Examples

   • He made a strong defense of his decision.
   • Her defense of the policy convinced the committee.
5. noun

   The case made by the person accused in court.

   Examples

   • The defense ended its case after two witnesses.
   • The jury found the defense convincing.
6. noun

   The lawyers who speak for the accused person.

   Examples

   • The defense questioned the witness closely.
   • The defense asked for a lesser charge.
7. noun

   A country's military forces and the money spent on them.

   Examples

   • The country increased spending on defense.
   • The minister of defense announced new reforms.
8. noun

   In old-fashioned use, an official ban.

   Examples

   • The king issued a defense against trade without a license.
   • The old law had a defense on hunting in the royal forest.
9. verb

   In sports, to try to stop the other team from scoring.

   Examples

   • The team put pressure on to defense the attack well.
   • The coaches changed how they defensed the other team's attack.
10. verb

    In old-fashioned use, to guard or protect.

    Examples

    • They built walls to defense the city.
    • He hid under the dark night to be defensed from sight.