defense

(dĭ-fĕnsˈ)

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 (dēˈfĕnsˌ) 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.

1. To attempt to stop (the opposition) from scoring.
2. To play defense against (an opponent); guard.

Related Forms:

• de·fenseˈless adjective

• de·fenseˈless·ly adverb

• de·fenseˈless·ness noun