defence

de-fence · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The action of protecting from attack or harm.

  2. 2.

    Military measures or resources for protecting a country.

  3. 3.

    (Law) The case presented by the party being accused in a trial.

  4. 4.

    (Sports) The players responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring.

  5. 5.

    A means of protecting something or someone.

Forms

plural: defences

Related words

Antonyms: attack, offense
See also: defend, defense, protection
Synonyms: guard, protection, resistance, shield

Etymology

From Old French defens, from Latin defensum, past participle of defendere meaning "to ward off, protect."