defense

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An argument in support or justification of something.

   to come to someone's defense

2. 2
   noun

   Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.

   Department of Defense

3. 3
   verb

   To employ defensive tactics (so as to block).

   In fact, there is an increase in the effectiveness of the Five Cutter Offense when teams put pressure on, instead of sagging or switching in an attempt to defense the attack successfully.

4. 4
   verb

   To furnish with defenses; to defend, protect.

   In the ſyege of greate cities, takyng a bygge compaſſe rounde abowte, we muſt wyth all laboure: make and intercut not farre of the citie, bꝛode and depe trenches defenſed wyth turrettes of woodde, […]

5. 5
   noun

   the act of defending someone or something against attack or injury

6. 6
   noun

   protection from harm

7. 7
   noun

   military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies

8. 8
   noun

   a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him

Etymology

From Middle English defens, defense, from Old French defens, defense, from Late Latin dēfēnsa (“protection”). Displaced native Old English bewering. The verb is from the noun.