defence

Meanings

Plural: defences

Noun

• (psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
• (sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring
• the defendant and his legal advisors collectively
• an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack
• the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions
• the justification for some act or belief
• a structure used to defend against attack
• a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him
• (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
• protection from harm
• the act of defending someone or something against attack or injury
• The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
• Something used to oppose attacks.
• An argument in support or justification of something.
• A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
• The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
• Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
• Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.

Verb

• To furnish with defences; to fortify.

Synonyms

defence force, defence mechanism, defence reaction, defending team, defense, defense force, defense lawyers, defense mechanism, defense reaction, defense team, defensive measure, defensive structure, demurrer, denial, refutation, vindication

Antonyms

offence, offense, prosecution