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1. Dictionary

   defence

   /dɪˈfɛns/

   noun

   • 1. the action of defending from or resisting attack: "methods of defence against this kind of attack" Similar protectionshieldingsafeguardingguardingsecurityfortificationcovershelterscreenresistancedeterrent
   • ▪ an instance of defending a title or seat in a contest or election: "his first title defence against Jones"
   • ▪ military measures or resources for protecting a country: "the minister of defence" Similar armamentsweaponsweaponryarmsmilitary resources/measuresthe militarythe armythe navythe air forcedeterrence
   • ▪ a means of protecting something from attack: "wire netting is the best defence against rabbits"
   • ▪ fortifications or barriers against attack: "coastal defences" Similar barricadefortificationbulwarkbuttressfortressfastnesskeeprampartoutpostbastion
   • 2. the case presented by or on behalf of the party accused of a crime or being sued in a civil lawsuit: "the farmer's defence was that he intended only to wound the thief" Similar rebuttaldenialvindicationexplanationmitigationjustificationrationalizationexcusealibireasonpleapleadingtestimonydeclarationcase
   • ▪ the counsel for the defendant in a lawsuit: "the defence requested more time to prepare their case"
   • 3. (in sport) the action or role of defending one's goal or wicket against the opposition: "Wolves were pressed back into defence"
   • ▪ the players in a team who defend the goal: "despite heavy pressure the defence was coping well"

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French defens, from late Latin defensum (neuter), defensa (feminine), past participles of defendere ‘defend’.

   Scrabble Points: 13

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2. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishDEFENCE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   DEFENCE definition: 1. the act of protecting someone or something against attack or criticism : 2. something that…. Learn more.

3. www.dictionary.com › browse › defenceDEFENCE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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   noun. resistance against danger, attack, or harm; protection. a person or thing that provides such resistance. a plea, essay, speech, etc, in support of something; vindication; justification. a country's military measures or resources. ( as modifier ) defence spending. law a defendant's denial of the truth of the allegations or charge against him.

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryDEFENCE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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   DEFENCE meaning: 1. the act of protecting someone or something against attack or criticism : 2. something that…. Learn more.

5. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishdefence noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   [uncountable] the organization of the people and systems that are used by a government to protect a country from attack. (British English) the Ministry of Defence. (US English) the Department of Defense. Issues of national defence are a matter for the government. Further cuts in defence spending are being considered. Extra Examples.

6. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishDEFENCE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   A defence is something that you say or write which supports ideas or actions that have been criticized or questioned. Chomsky's defence of his approach goes further. [ + of] The Party Congress has closed with a spirited defence of the government's economic programme from the Deputy Prime Minister.

7. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › defenceDefence Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › defence

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   6 days ago · The meaning of DEFENCE is chiefly British spellings of defense.

8. www.thefreedictionary.com › defenceDefence - definition of defence by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › defence

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   defense. n. 1. resistance against danger, attack, or harm; protection. 2. a person or thing that provides such resistance. 3. a plea, essay, speech, etc, in support of something; vindication; justification. 4. (Military) a. a country's military measures or resources. b. ( as modifier ): defence spending. 5.