Defence

Quick meaning: Defence is a noun meaning The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.

Meaning

The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.

More Meanings

1. Something used to oppose attacks.
2. An argument in support or justification of something.
3. (team sports) A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
4. (team sports) The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
5. Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
6. (obsolete) Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.
7. (obsolete, transitive) To furnish with defences; to fortify.

Example Sentences

Department of Defence

In cases of defence ’tis best to weigh The enemy more mighty than he seems:

Speak of my lameness, and I straight will halt, Against thy reasons making no defence.

And nothing ’gainst Time’s scythe can make defence Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence.

Word Forms

• defences
• defense
• defencing
• defenced

Synonyms for defence

Depending on context, synonyms include vindication, denial, refutation, demurrer, defense.

Antonyms for defence

Common opposites include offence, offense, prosecution.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include defense, vindication, demurrer, refutation, denial, defend.

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