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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.
EXPANDLaw.
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.
b.
the team attempting to thwart the attack of the team having the ball or puck.
d.
the positions on the field, ice, etc., taken by such players.
8.
COLLAPSE(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).
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Defensing
is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
Also, especially British, defence.
Origin:
1250–1300; Middle English < Old French < Late Latin dēfēnsa a forbidding, noun use of feminine of past participle of Latin dēfendere to defend; replacing Middle English defens < Anglo-French, Old French < Medieval Latin defēnsum (thing) forbidden, neuter past participle of Latin dēfendere
1250–1300; Middle English < Old French < Late Latin dēfēnsa a forbidding, noun use of feminine of past participle of Latin dēfendere to defend; replacing Middle English defens < Anglo-French, Old French < Medieval Latin defēnsum (thing) forbidden, neuter past participle of Latin dēfendere
Related forms
de·fense·less, adjective
de·fense·less·ly, adverb
de·fense·less·ness, noun
non·de·fense, noun, adjective
pre·de·fense, noun
EXPANDun·de·fensed, adjective
COLLAPSESynonyms
1. security, preservation, safeguard. 3. support, advocacy, justification.
1. security, preservation, safeguard. 3. support, advocacy, justification.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To defensing
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
defense
c.1300, from O.Fr. defens, from L. defensum "thing protected or forbidden," from neut. pp. of defendere "ward off, protect" (see defend). First used 1935 as a euphemism for "national military resources." Defense mechanism in psychology is from 1913.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
defense de·fense (dĭ-fěns')
n.
A means or method that helps protect the body or mind, as against disease or anxiety.
de·fen'sive (-fěn'sĭv) adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
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