defence Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun (psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
   defence mechanism; defense reaction; defense; defense mechanism; defence reaction.
   
2. noun (sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring
   defense; defending team.
   
   • his teams are always good on defense
3. noun the defendant and his legal advisors collectively
   defense lawyers; defense; defense team.
   
   • the defense called for a mistrial
4. noun an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack
   defence force; defense; defense force.
   
   • he joined the defense against invasion
5. noun the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions
   refutation; defense.
   
   • his refutation of the charges was short and persuasive
   • in defense he said the other man started it
6. noun the justification for some act or belief
   defense; vindication.
   
   • he offered a persuasive defense of the theory
7. noun a structure used to defend against attack
   defense; defensive structure.
   
   • the artillery battered down the defenses
8. noun a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him
   denial; demurrer; defense.
   
   • he gave evidence for the defense
9. noun (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
   defense; defensive measure.
   
   • they died in the defense of Stalingrad
   • they were developed for the defense program
10. noun protection from harm
    defense.
    
    • sanitation is the best defense against disease
11. noun the act of defending someone or something against attack or injury
    defense.
    
    • a good boxer needs a good defense
    • defense against hurricanes is an urgent problem

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