- defense
- defense [dē fens′, difens′; ] also, and for n.6 usually, [dē′fens΄]n.[ME < OFr < LL defensa < fem. of L defensus, pp. of defendere]1. the act or power of defending, or guarding against attack, harm, or danger2. the fact or state of being defended3.a) something that defends; means of or resources for protectionb) a plan or system for defending4. justification or support by speech or writing; vindication5. self-protection, as by boxing6. Sportsa) a team when it is attempting to prevent scoring by an opponent in any contestb) the ability to prevent an opposing team from scoringc) the strategy, plays, etc. used to prevent an opposing team from scoring7.a) the arguments in behalf of the defendant in a law case☆ b) the defendant and his or her lawyer or lawyers, collectivelyvt.defensed, defensingInformal to plan or execute a defense against (esp. an offensive maneuver) in a game or sportto plan or execute a defense against (esp. an offensive maneuver) in a game or sport——————on defenseSports engaged in an attempt to prevent an opposing team from scoring
English World dictionary. V. Neufeldt. 2014.