1 [mass noun] the action of defending from or resisting attack:methods of defence against this kind of attackshe came to the defence of the eccentric professorhe spoke in defence of a disciplined approach
[count noun] 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 [as modifier]:defence policy
a means of protecting something from attack:wire netting is the best defence against rabbits
(defences) fortifications or barriers against attack:coastal defences
2the 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
(the defence) [treated as singular or plural] 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 defence) the players in a team who defend the goal:despite heavy pressure the defence was coping wellFord returns to United’s defence [count noun]:dribbling through defences
defence in depth
the arrangement of defensive lines or fortifications so that they can defend each other.
