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de·fense (d -f ns )n.1. The act of defending against attack, danger, or injury. 2. A means or method of defending or protecting. 3. Sports The act or an instance of defending a championship against a challenger: will box in his third defense of his title. 4. An argument in support or justification of something. See Synonyms at apology. 5. Law a. The action of the defendant in opposition to complaints against him or her. b. The defendant and his or her legal counsel. 6. The science or art of defending oneself; self-defense. 7. often (d f ns ) Sports a. Means or tactics used in trying to stop the opposition from scoring. b. The team or those players on the team attempting to stop the opposition from scoring. 8. The military, governmental, and industrial complex, especially as it authorizes and manages weaponry production. tr.v. de·fensed, de·fens·ing, de·fens·es Sports 1. To attempt to stop (the opposition) from scoring. 2. To play defense against (an opponent); guard.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin d f nsa, from feminine past participle of d fendere, to ward off; see defend.]
de·fense less adj. de·fense less·ly adv. de·fense less·ness n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Adj. | 1. | defenseless - lacking protection or support; "a defenseless child"vulnerable - susceptible to attack; "a vulnerable bridge" | | 2. | defenseless - having no protecting or concealing cover; "naked to mine enemies"- Shakespeare | | 3. | defenseless - lacking weapons for self-defenseunarmed - (used of persons or the military) not having or using arms; "went alone and unarmed"; "unarmed peasants were shot down"; "unarmed vehicles" | | Adv. | 1. | defenseless - without defense; "the child was standing in the middle of the crossfire, defenselessly" |
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