defense

The act of protecting people or things against attack or harm.

• The walls were built for defense.
• She took classes in self defense.
• These plants have a natural defense against insects.

How to use it: defense against something (The walls provide a defense against flooding.); defense of someone/something (They fought in defense of their homes.)

Similar words: protection

Opposites: attack

Common phrases: self defense, defense against something, defense of something

The players whose job is to stop the other team from scoring.

• Our defense played well.
• Their defense allowed three goals.
• We need a stronger defense next season.

Opposites: offense

Common phrases: strong defense, team defense, weak defense

A country's military plans, spending, and systems for keeping it safe from attack.

• The government increased defense spending.
• She works at the defense department.
• Parliament debated the new defense policy.

Common phrases: defense budget, defense spending, national defense, defense policy

The accused person and the lawyers who speak for them in court.

• The defense called another witness.
• She works for the defense.
• The judge allowed the defense more time.

Opposites: prosecution

Common phrases: defense lawyer, defense team, the defense

An explanation or argument showing why a person, action, or idea deserves support.

• She offered a defense of her decision.
• In his defense, he was very tired.
• Nobody came to my defense when they criticized me.

How to use it: in defense of someone/something (He spoke in defense of the new policy.); come to someone’s defense (Her sister came to her defense.)

Similar words: justification, vindication

Common phrases: in someone’s defense, defense of something, strong defense