defence meaning and definition

DEFENCE noun

Definition of defence (noun)

1. (psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
   • synonyms: defence mechanism, defence reaction, defense, defense mechanism, defense reaction
2. (sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring
   • "his teams are always good on defense"
   • synonyms: defending team, defense
   • antonym: offence
3. the defendant and his legal advisors collectively
   • "the defense called for a mistrial"
   • synonyms: defense, defense lawyers, defense team
   • antonym: prosecution
4. an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack
   • "he joined the defense against invasion"
   • synonyms: defence force, defense, defense force
5. the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions
   • "his refutation of the charges was short and persuasive"; "in defense he said the other man started it"
   • synonyms: defense, refutation
6. the justification for some act or belief
   • "he offered a persuasive defense of the theory"
   • synonyms: defense, vindication
7. a structure used to defend against attack
   • "the artillery battered down the defenses"
   • synonyms: defense, defensive structure
8. a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him
   • "he gave evidence for the defense"
   • synonyms: defense, demurrer, denial
   • antonym: criminal prosecution
9. (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
   • "they died in the defense of Stalingrad"; "they were developed for the defense program"
   • synonyms: defense, defensive measure
10. protection from harm
    • "sanitation is the best defense against disease"
    • synonyms: defense
11. the act of defending someone or something against attack or injury
    • "a good boxer needs a good defense"; "defense against hurricanes is an urgent problem"
    • synonyms: defense