de·fense
di-ˈfen(t)s
as antonym of "offense" often
ˈdē-ˌfen(t)s
1
a
: the act or action of defending
the defense of our country
speak out in defense of justice
quickly jumped to her friend's defense
b
law
: the denial, answer, or plea (see plea sense 2b) of one against whom a criminal or civil action is brought : a defendant 's denial, answer, or plea
2
a
: capability of resisting attack
the body's defense against disease
b
sports
: ability to keep an opponent from scoring in a game or contest : defensive play or ability
a player known for good defense
3
a
: means or method of defending or protecting oneself, one's team, or another
the nation's air and ground defenses
Big shells are an effective defense against these predators as well.—Gregory P. Dietl
also
: a defensive structure
b
: an argument in support or justification
offered no defense of his actions
c
law
: the collected facts and method adopted by a defendant to protect and defend against a plaintiff's action
His lawyers used an insanity defense.
d
chess
: a sequence of moves available to the second player in the opening (see opening sense 3a)
4
a
law
: a defending party or group (as in a court of law)
The defense rests.
b
sports
: a defensive team
He was the linchpin of one of the league's stoutest defenses …—Sarah Kwak
defensed; defensing
sports
: to take specific defensive action against (an opposing team or player or an offensive play) : to attempt to keep (an opponent or play) from scoring in a game or contest
The gangly Pressey was clearly Milwaukee's only real hope of defensing Bird …—Jack McCallum
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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