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defences - 3 dictionary results

de⋅fence

  [di-fens]
Use defences in a Sentence
–noun, verb (used with object), -fenced, -fenc⋅ing. Chiefly British.
defense.
Related forms:
de⋅fence⋅a⋅ble, adjective
de⋅fence⋅less, adjective
de⋅fence⋅less⋅ly, adverb
de⋅fence⋅less⋅ness, noun

de⋅fense

  [di-fens or, especially for 7, 9, dee-fens] noun, verb, -fensed, -fens⋅ing.
–noun
1. resistance against attack; protection: Two more regiments are needed for the defense of the city.
2. something that defends, as a fortification, physical or mental quality, or medication: This fort was once the main defense of the island.
3. the defending of a cause or the like by speech, argument, etc.: He spoke in defense of the nation's foreign policy.
4. a speech, argument, etc., in vindication: She delivered a defense of free enterprise.
5. Law.
a. the denial or pleading of the defendant in answer to the claim or charge that has been made.
b. the proceedings adopted by a defendant, or the defendant's legal agents, for defending against the charges that have been made.
c. a defendant and his or her counsel.
6. Psychology. defense mechanism (def. 2).
7. Sports.
a. the practice or art of defending oneself or one's goal against attack, as in fencing, boxing, soccer, or football.
b. the team attempting to thwart the attack of the team having the ball or puck.
c. the players of a team who line up in their own defensive zone.
d. the positions on the field, ice, etc., taken by such players.
8. (initial capital letter) Also called Defense Department. Informal. the Department of Defense.
–verb (used with object)
9. Sports. to defend against (an opponent, play, or tactic).
Also, especially British, defence.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME < OF < LL dēfēnsa a forbidding, n. use of fem. of ptp. of L dēfendere to defend; r. ME defens < AF, OF < ML defēnsum (thing) forbidden, neut. ptp. of L dēfendere

Related forms:
de⋅fense⋅less, adjective
de⋅fense⋅less⋅ly, adverb
de⋅fense⋅less⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. security, preservation, safeguard. 3. support, advocacy, justification.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To defences
de·fence   (dĭ-fěns')   
n.   & v. Chiefly British
Variant of defense.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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