Sekirov Dictionary

defense

/dɪˈfɛns/

noun 14
verb 3
forms 3
phrases 1

noun14

the act of keeping someone or something safe from attack, danger or harm
•
the act of keeping someone or something safe when they are attacked or in danger
- In cases of defence ’tis best to weigh The enemy more mighty than he seems: — 1599
(euphemistic) Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offense.
•
A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
- But the Danes remained resolute in defence - largely thanks to a spirited display by captain Daniel Agger - and they went ahead with their first meaningful attack. — 2012
•
An argument in support or justification of something.
- to come to someone's defense
The case presented by the defendant in a legal proceeding.
Anything employed to oppose attack(s).
•
Something used to oppose attacks.
- And nothing ’gainst Time’s scythe can make defence Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence. — 1609
The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offense.
The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
The lawyer or team thereof who presents such a case.
(no longer used) A prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.
•
(no longer used) Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.
- […] severe defences may be made against weaving any Linnen under a certain breadth, such as may be of better use to the poorest People […] — 1673

verb3

•
(US) 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. — 1972
•
(no longer used) 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, […] — 1544
•
(no longer used) To furnish with defences; to fortify.
- Better manned and more strongly defenced. — 1656

forms

defensed · defensing · defenses

Phrases with defense

Nuremberg defense
An explanation offered as an excuse for behaving in a criminal or wrongful manner, claiming that one acted in this way because one was ordered by others (particularly superiors) to do so.

This dictionary works without the internet: on your phone · in Chrome