defence

English

Alternative forms

• defense (US)

Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /dɛˈfɛns/
• (US) IPA: /ˈdifɛns/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɛns

Noun

defence (plural defences)

1. The action of protecting from attack.
2. Something used to oppose attack.
   • 1592—1609, William Shakespeare, Sonnet XII:

     And nothing 'gainst Time's scythe can make defence

     Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence.

3. An argument in support or justification of something.
   • 1592—1609, William Shakespeare, Sonnet LXXXIX:

     Speak of my lameness, and I straight will halt,

     Against thy reasons making no defence.

Synonyms

• See Wikisaurus:defence

Derived terms

• Nuremberg defence

Translations

defence — see defense