What does "defence" mean?
The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
Defence
/dɪˈfɛns/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
- Grammar: defence is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: defense, defense team, vindication, answer.
- Useful contrasts: aggression, assault, attack.
- Usage evidence: That's no good! You're tall so you've got to be in the forward defence.
How to use "defence"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "defence" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "defence" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "defence" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "defence" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "defence" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "defense" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "defence", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury. UK, countable, uncountable
"In cases of defence ’tis best to weigh The enemy more mighty than he seems:"
- 2 the act of defending someone or something against attack or injury wordnet
- 3 Something used to oppose attacks. UK, countable, uncountable
"And nothing ’gainst Time’s scythe can make defence Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence."
- 4 protection from harm wordnet
- 5 An argument in support or justification of something. UK, countable, uncountable
"Speak of my lameness, and I straight will halt, Against thy reasons making no defence."
Show 13 more definitions
- 6 (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies wordnet
- 7 A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence. UK, countable, uncountable
"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."
- 8 a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against them wordnet
- 9 The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence. UK, countable, uncountable
- 10 a structure used to defend against attack wordnet
- 11 Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military. UK, countable, uncountable
"Department of Defence"
- 12 the justification for some act or belief wordnet
- 13 Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance. UK, countable, obsolete, uncountable
"1673, William Temple, “An Essay upon the Advancement of Trade in Ireland” in Miscellanea, London: Edw[ard] Gellibrand, 1680, p. 116, […] severe defences may be made against weaving any Linnen under a certain breadth, such as may be of better use to the poorest People […]"
- 14 the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions wordnet
- 15 an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack wordnet
- 16 the defendant and their legal advisors collectively wordnet
- 17 (sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring wordnet
- 18 (psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires wordnet
Verb
- 1 To furnish with defences; to fortify. UK, obsolete, transitive
"Better manned and more strongly defenced."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"That's no good! You're tall so you've got to be in the forward defence."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "defence"?
Common synonyms include: defense, defense team, vindication, answer, argument, attorneys.
How do you use "defence" in a sentence?
That's no good! You're tall so you've got to be in the forward defence.
How do you pronounce "defence"?
Pronounced /dɪˈfɛns/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English defens, defense, from Old French defens, defense, from Late Latin dēfēnsa (“protection”). Displaced Old English bewering.
Etymology 2
From Middle English defencen, defensen, from Old French defenser or its etymon, Latin dēfēnsō.