Defense
/dɪˈfɛns/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of protecting someone or something from attack or harm.
/dɪˈfɛns/
The action of defending from or resisting attack.
The soldiers fought bravely in defense of their country.
💡 Simply: Defense is like putting up a shield to protect yourself or your team from getting hurt or losing. Imagine you're playing a game and the other team tries to score; your job is to defend your goal!
👶 For kids: When you're playing a game and someone tries to take your toys or score, your defense is when you protect your toys or score! It's like blocking.
More Examples
The team's defense was crucial to their victory.
The company's defense against the lawsuit was successful.
How It's Used
"The country strengthened its national defense system."
"The team's defense was impenetrable."
"The lawyer presented a strong defense for his client."
The arguments presented in court to prove the innocence or excusable actions of a defendant.
/dɪˈfɛns/
A legal argument made to excuse a defendant's actions.
The defense argued that the evidence was circumstantial.
💡 Simply: In court, the defense is what the lawyer says to try and show that their client is not guilty or that there's a good reason for what they did. Like, if someone accidentally broke a window, the defense might say it was an accident.
👶 For kids: In court, the defense is when someone is trying to show that what the person did was okay or that they didn't do it!
More Examples
The jury listened carefully to the defense's case.
The defense attorney presented a strong alibi for his client.
How It's Used
"The lawyer's defense was based on the defendant's innocence."
Idioms & expressions
in defense of
In order to protect or support something or someone.
"He spoke in defense of his friend, who was being wrongly accused."
on the defense
In a position where you have to protect yourself from attack or criticism.
"After the scandal, the company was constantly on the defense."
From Middle English *defense*, from Old French *defense*, from Latin *defensa*, feminine past participle of *defendere* ('to defend').
The term 'defense' has been used in military contexts for centuries, and its legal meaning developed over time.
Memory tip
Think of the act of blocking a punch; that's defense!
Practice
Word Origin
Root: defendere