defence

UK (US defense)

/dɪˈfens/ noun

Definition

MILITARY [U] › the weapons and military forces that a country uses to protect itself against attack: Government spending on defence is increasing. the defence minister/industry

PROTECTION [C, U] › protection, or something that provides protection against attack or criticism: the body's defences against infection She argued strongly in defence of her actions.

come to sb's defence › to support someone when they are being criticized

the defence › [group] the lawyers in a court who work in support of the person who is accused of a crime: He was cross-examined by the defence. a defence lawyer

SPORT [C, U] › the part of a sports team which tries to prevent the other team from scoring points: Our team has a very strong defence. → See also self-defence

(Definition of defence noun from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)