defence

noun

1. (UK, countable, uncountable)The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.

   “In cases of defence ’tis best to weigh The enemy more mighty than he seems:”

2. (UK, countable, uncountable)Something used to oppose attacks.

   “And nothing ’gainst Time’s scythe can make defence Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence.”

   “As governments and health officials continue to flip-flop on vaccine age requirements, and anti-vaxxers spread falsehoods through social media and protests, the vaxxie might just be a powerful line of defence against vaccine hesitancy.”

3. (UK, countable, uncountable)An argument in support or justification of something.

   “Speak of my lameness, and I straight will halt, Against thy reasons making no defence.”

   “In Hodgson's defence, it must be stated that in large parts this was a vibrant, energetic performance with the emphasis almost exclusively on attack.”

4. (UK, countable, uncountable)A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.

   “But the Danes remained resolute in defence - largely thanks to a spirited display by captain Daniel Agger - and they went ahead with their first meaningful attack.”

5. (UK, countable, uncountable)The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.

   “The most persistent tormentor was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored a hat-trick in last month’s corresponding fixture in Iceland. His ability to run at defences is instantly striking, but it is his clever use of possession that has persuaded some shrewd judges that he is an even better prospect than Theo Walcott.”

6. (UK, countable, uncountable)Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.

   “Department of Defence”

7. (UK, countable, obsolete, uncountable)Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.

   “1673, William Temple, “An Essay upon the Advancement of Trade in Ireland” in Miscellanea, London: Edw[ard] Gellibrand, 1680, p. 116, […] severe defences may be made against weaving any Linnen under a certain breadth, such as may be of better use to the poorest People […]”

verb

1. (UK, obsolete, transitive)To furnish with defences; to fortify.

   “Better manned and more strongly defenced.”