noun
defence
dih-FEHNS
noun
1
The action of protecting someone or something from attack or harm.
"The castle walls were built for defence against invaders."
"She spoke in defence of her colleague."
2
In sport, the players or tactics focused on stopping the opposing team from scoring.
"Their defence held firm for the entire second half."
3
In law, the case or argument presented on behalf of the accused.
"The defence called three witnesses to the stand."
How to Use Defence
Learner’s notes
UK vs US
British English spells this "defence"; American English uses "defense." Both are pronounced the same.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
line of defence
come to someone's defence
defence lawyer
Word Forms
defenced past tense, defences plural, defences singular
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The castle walls were built for _____ against invaders.
Etymology
From Old French defens/defense, from Late Latin dēfēnsa ("protection"); it replaced the native Old English word bewering.