defence

UK (US defense)

/dɪˈfens/ noun

Definition

› [S or U] LAW an argument or explanation which you use to prove that you are not guilty of something: Now he says he's done nothing wrong, and I assume that will be his defence in court. a defense attorney/lawyer

the defence [S] › LAW the person or people in a law case who have been accused of doing something illegal, and the lawyer or lawyers who are representing them: He claims that official documents of vital importance to the defence were not available. → Compare prosecution

› [C] a method used by a company to avoid having another company take control of it: The chief executive led a vigorous takeover defence. One possible defence strategy is to mount a higher counter-bid for the parent company.

→ See also crown jewels defence, Pacman defence

(Definition of defence noun from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)