English dictionary
defense
/d/I/'f/E/ns/
Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.
noun
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(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
ExamplesThey died in the defense of Stalingrad.
They were developed for the defense program.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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protection from harm
ExamplesSanitation is the best defense against disease.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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(sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring
ExamplesHis teams are always good on defense.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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the justification for some act or belief
ExamplesHe offered a persuasive defense of the theory.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
Source: WordNet 3.0
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the federal department responsible for safeguarding national security of the United States; created in 1947
Source: WordNet 3.0
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the defendant and his legal advisors collectively
ExamplesThe defense called for a mistrial.
Antonyms prosecutionSource: WordNet 3.0
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the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions
ExamplesIn defense he said the other man started it.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack
ExamplesHe joined the defense against invasion.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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a structure used to defend against attack
ExamplesThe artillery battered down the defenses.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him
ExamplesHe gave evidence for the defense.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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the act of defending someone or something against attack or injury
ExamplesA good boxer needs a good defense.
Defense against hurricanes is an urgent problem.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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The act of defending, or the state of being defended; protection, as from violence or danger.
Source: webster1913
verb
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To furnish with defenses; to fortify.
Source: webster1913