defense

[dɪˈfɛns]

defense Definition

• 1. the action of defending from or resisting attack
• 2. the case presented by or on behalf of the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit

Using defense: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "defense" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The country's defense system is one of the strongest in the world.

• Example

  The lawyer presented a strong defense for his client.

• Example

  The team's defense was able to stop the opposing team from scoring.

• Example

  The company's defense against the allegations was weak.

defense Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for defense

• protection
• safeguarding
• security
• shelter
• immunity

Antonyms for defense

• attack
• offense

Idioms Using defense

• on the defense

  in a position of having to defend oneself or one's actions

  Example

  The politician was on the defense during the debate, constantly having to explain his policies.

• play defense

  to take measures to protect oneself or something from harm or danger

  Example

  The company decided to play defense and implement stricter security measures after a data breach.

• defense mechanism

  an unconscious psychological mechanism used to protect oneself from anxiety or emotional pain

  Example

  Her constant joking was a defense mechanism to hide her insecurities.

Phrases with defense

• in defense of

  as a justification or explanation for something

  Example

  He spoke in defense of his actions during the meeting.

• line of defense

  a series of measures or actions taken to protect against something

  Example

  The company has multiple lines of defense against cyber attacks.

• self-defense

  the act of protecting oneself from harm or danger

  Example

  She took self-defense classes to feel more confident walking alone at night.

Origins of defense

from Old French 'defens', from Latin 'defensus', past participle of 'defendere', meaning 'ward off, protect'

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Summary: defense in Brief

The term 'defense' [dɪˈfɛns] refers to the act of protecting from or resisting attack, as well as the case presented by the accused party in a lawsuit. It can be exemplified by 'The country's defense system is one of the strongest in the world.' 'Defense' extends into phrases like 'line of defense,' and idioms like 'play defense,' denoting protective measures, and 'defense mechanism,' referring to unconscious psychological mechanisms.