- defence
- de|fenceW1S2 BrE defense AmE [dıˈfens] n▬▬▬▬▬▬▬1¦(protection)¦2¦(military)¦3¦(against criticism)¦4¦(in a law court)¦5¦(emotions)¦6¦(sport)¦▬▬▬▬▬▬▬1.) ¦(PROTECTION)¦a) [U]the act of protecting something or someone from attackdefence of▪ In Britain, the defence of the country has historically been left to the navy.▪ a firm commitment to the defense of human rights▪ The first line of defence is a smoke detector.b)something that can be used to protect something or someone from attack▪ The area's flood defences need repair.defence against▪ The immune system is the body's defence against infection.2.) ¦(MILITARY)¦a) [U]all the systems, people, materials etc that a country uses to protect itself from attack▪ calls for a national debate on defence▪ the Defense Departmentb) defencesBrE defenses AmE [plural]all the armies, weapons, structures etc that are available to defend a place▪ The invading army easily overcame the town's defences.3.) ¦(AGAINST CRITICISM)¦ [U and C]something that you say or do in order to support someone or something that is being criticizedin sb's/sth's defence▪ Jean wrote a letter to the paper in Angela's defense.defence of▪ a philosophical defence of nationalismcome/leap to sb's defence▪ Evelyn Waugh came to Wilson's defence and acknowledged the brilliance of the book's themes.4.) ¦(IN A LAW COURT)¦a)the things that are said in a court of law to prove that someone is not guilty of a crime▪ Major has a good defence and believes he will win the case.▪ a defence lawyerb) the defenceall the lawyers who try to prove in a court of law that someone is not guilty of a crime▪ The defense called only one witness.5.) ¦(EMOTIONS)¦something you do or a way of behaving that prevents you from seeming weak or being hurt by others▪ Liz dropped her defences and began to relax.6.) ¦(SPORT)¦ BrEthe players in a game whose main job is to try to prevent the other team from getting points
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.
