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defense

de·fense

defense

 
 
pronunciation:
dih fens [or] di fens
features:
Word Combinations (noun)
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the act of defending.
The army celebrated its successful defense of the city.We were surprised by her defense of his disgraceful conduct.
synonyms:
protection, shielding
antonyms:
attack
similar words:
convoy, fortification, support
definition 2: something that defends; means of defending.
The castle's defenses included high walls and a moat.
synonyms:
protection, safeguard, shield
similar words:
bastion, bulwark, explanation, fortification, guard, rampart, screen, security
definition 3: a justifying or supporting argument.
The police asked the man why he would commit such a crime, but the man had no defense.
synonyms:
justification, vindication
similar words:
alibi, apology, argument, excuse, explanation, plea
definition 4: the methods used in defending an accused person in a court of law.
His lawyers are preparing their defense.
similar words:
alibi, plea
definition 5: the lawyer employed to represent a defendant in a court of law (prec. by "the").
Now we will hear from the defense.
synonyms:
attorney, counsel, counselor, lawyer
definition 6: in sports, action or capability to prevent the opposite team from scoring or getting an advantage.
There was excellent defense on that last play.Our team has a strong offense, but it needs to build up its defense.
definition 7: in sports, the set of players on a team who are responsible for defense.
The defense played well in the last two games.
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derivations: defenseless (adj.), defenselessly (adv.), defenseless (n.), defenselessness (n.)