defence

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.

   • In cases of defence ’tis best to weigh The enemy more mighty than he seems:
2. 2

   Something used to oppose attacks.

   • And nothing ’gainst Time’s scythe can make defence Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence.
   • As governments and health officials continue to flip-flop on vaccine age requirements, and anti-vaxxers spread falsehoods through social media and protests, the vaxxie might just be a powerful line of defence against vaccine hesitancy.
3. 3

   An argument in support or justification of something.

   • Speak of my lameness, and I straight will halt, Against thy reasons making no defence.
   • In Hodgson's defence, it must be stated that in large parts this was a vibrant, energetic performance with the emphasis almost exclusively on attack.
4. ›+ 5 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring

      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.
   2. 5

      The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring

      The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.

   3. 6

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

      • Department of Defence
   4. 7

      Prohibition

      Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.

   5. 8

      To furnish with defences

      To furnish with defences; to fortify.

      • Better manned and more strongly defenced.

The neighborhood

• antonymoffence
• antonymoffense