Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   De·fense

   /dəˈfens/

   

   noun

   • 1. the action of defending from or resisting attack: "she came to the defense of the eccentric professor" Similar protectionshieldingsafeguardingguardingsecurityfortificationcovershelterscreenresistancedeterrent
   • ▪ an instance of defending a title or seat in a contest or election: "his first title defense against Jones"
   • ▪ military measures or resources for protecting a country: "the minister of defense" Similar armamentsweaponsweaponryarmsmilitary resources/measuresthe militarythe armythe navythe air forcedeterrence
   • ▪ a means of protecting something from attack: "education is the best defense against tyranny"
   • ▪ fortifications or barriers against attack: "coastal defenses" Similar barricadefortificationbulwarkbuttressfortressfastnesskeeprampartoutpostbastion
   • 2. the case presented by or on behalf of the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit: "the farmer's defense was that he intended only to wound the thief" Similar rebuttaldenialvindicationexplanationmitigationjustificationrationalizationexcusealibireasonpleapleadingtestimonydeclarationcase
   • ▪ one or more defendants and the counsel in a trial: "the defense requested more time to prepare their case"
   • 3. (in sports) the action or role of defending one's goal against the opposition: "we played solid defense"
   • ▪ the players in a team who defend the goal: "despite heavy pressure the defense was coping well"

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French defens, from late Latin defensum (neuter), defensa (feminine), past participles of defendere ‘defend’.

   Scrabble Points: 11

   • D

     2

   • E

     1

   • F

     4

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

   • S

     1

   • E

     1

   Powered by Oxford Languages

   More Definitions, Word Origin & ScrabbleShow less