Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition defense in American English

defense noun

noun
/dɪˈfens/
1

actions that you take to protect someone or something that is being attacked

Example

Two of his friends came to his defense.

Synonyms and related words
protection defense safekeeping
1.1

the system of weapons, equipment, and people used for protecting a country

Example

Huge amounts of government money are spent on defense.

Example

an attempt to reduce the defense budget

Example

The president has promised to increase defense spending.

Synonyms and related words
ammo ammunition armaments
1.2

the particular structures, weapons, and people that are used to protect a place

Example

The city walls were built as a defense against invaders.

Example

He stressed the need to strengthen the nation's defenses.

Synonyms and related words
ammo ammunition armaments
2

something that you say to support someone or something that is being criticized

Example

The President responded with a strong defense of his foreign policy.

Example

Monroe has been fierce in defense of the present system.

Example

Several people spoke in my defense.

Example

Martin immediately sprang to her defense, saying she was innocent.

Synonyms and related words
support championship backing
2.1

all the things that are said and shown in a court case to prove that someone is not guilty

Example

I think we have quite a strong defense.

Example

He mounted a surprisingly effective defense.

Synonyms and related words
appearance be under/on oath case
2.2

the people in a court case who try to prove that someone is not guilty

Example

The defense will begin giving evidence tomorrow.

Synonyms and related words
advocate AG ambulance chaser
3

something that happens in your body to prevent you from becoming sick

Example

new drugs that work by strengthening the body's own defenses

Synonyms and related words
antibody biosecurity candida
4

the players in a team game who try to prevent the other team from scoring points

Synonyms and related words
all-American back backfield
5

an attempt by someone to win a competition that they won last time so they keep their position as winner

Example

Simpson is in New York this week for the defense of his title.

Synonyms and related words
play race meet
6

a way of thinking or behaving that protects you from being tricked or hurt

Example

He got me to sign the contract when my defenses were down.

Synonyms and related words
catharsis complex conditioning
Definition defense in American English