defence

noun

UK /dɪˈfens/

Word Forms

singular	defence
plural	defences

1
uncountable actions that you take to protect someone or something that is being attacked
come/rush to someone’s defence:
Two of his friends came to his defence.
Synonyms and related words
The practice or process of protecting
protection
sanctuary
safekeeping
1. 1a
  uncountable the system of weapons, equipment, and people that is used to protect a country
  Huge amounts of government money are spent on defence.
  an attempt to reduce the defence budget
  The President has promised to increase defence spending.
  defence cuts (=spending less money on defence):
  More defence cuts are expected next year.
  Synonyms and related words
  General words for weapons and ammunition
  ammo
  ammunition
  armaments
2. 1b
  countable usually pluralthe particular structures, weapons, and people that are used for protecting a place
  Government forces have breached the rebels’ defences.
  The city walls were built as a defence against invaders.
  strengthen someone’s/something’s defences:
  He stressed the need to strengthen the nation’s defences.
  flood defences (=structures built to prevent the sea or a river from coming into a place):
  New flood defences are being built along the river bank.
  Synonyms and related words
  General words for weapons and ammunition
  ammo
  ammunition
  armaments
2
countable/uncountable something that you say to support someone or something that is being criticized
defence of:
The Minister responded with a strong defence of the government’s policy.
speak/say something in someone’s defence:
Several people spoke in my defence.
in defence of:
Monroe has been fierce in defence of the present system.
come/spring/leap to someone’s defence:
Martin immediately sprang to her defence, saying she was innocent.
Synonyms and related words
Support for ideas, plans or people
support
championship
backing
1. 2a
  countable usually singularlegalall the things that are said and shown in a court case to prove that someone is not guilty. The things that are said and shown to prove that someone is guilty are called the prosecution
  conduct someone’s defence:
  She decided to conduct her own defence.
  mount a defence:
  He mounted a surprisingly effective defence.
  Synonyms and related words
  Parts of trials
  affirmation
  appearance
  be on/under oath
2. 2b
  
  the defence
  legalthe people in a court case who try to prove that someone is not guilty. The people who try to prove that someone is guilty are called the prosecution. The defence can be followed by a singular or plural verb
  The defence will begin giving evidence tomorrow.
  Synonyms and related words
  Lawyers and people who work in law courts
  advocate
  AG
  ambulance chaser
3. 2c
  legala legal document that contains proof that a person defending a court case is innocent or not liable
  He filed his defence within days of receiving the claim.
  Synonyms and related words
  Legal documents and parts of legal documents
  affidavit
  amendment
  apostille
3
countable something that happens in your body to prevent you from becoming ill
new drugs that work by strengthening the body’s own defences
Synonyms and related words
Infection and fighting infection
antibody
biosecurity
candida
4
countable/uncountable the players in a team game who try to prevent the other team from scoring points
France has a very strong defence.
I usually play in defence.
Synonyms and related words
Players and positions in various sports
all-American
A. N. Other
back
5
singular an attempt by someone to win a competition that they won last time so that they keep their position as winner
Simpson is in New York this week for the defence of his title.
Synonyms and related words
To take part in a competition or game
play
race
meet
6
countable a way of thinking or behaving that protects you from being tricked or hurt
someone’s defences are down:
He got me to sign the contract when my defences were down.
Synonyms and related words
Psychological processes
catharsis
complex
conditioning

defence ​‌‌‌

the defence

defence

defence