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   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

   • D

     2

   • E

     1

   • F

     4

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

   • C

     3

   • E

     1

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