defence

plural defences · alternative US defense

1. UKcountableuncountableThe 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:

   1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life of Henry the Fift”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene iv]

2. UKcountableuncountableSomething used to oppose attacks.

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

   1609, William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 12”, in Shake-speares Sonnets. […], London: By G[eorge] Eld for T[homas] T[horpe] and are to be sold by William Aspley, →OCLC

   1 more example

   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.

   2021 July 28, Louise Grimmer, Gary Mortimer, Martin Grimmer, “Vaccine selfies may seem trivial, but they show people doing their civic duty — and probably encourage others too”, in The Conversation, archived from the original on 19 Aug 2021

3. UKcountableuncountableAn argument in support or justification of something.

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

   1609, William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 89”, in Shake-speares Sonnets. […], London: By G[eorge] Eld for T[homas] T[horpe] and are to be sold by William Aspley, →OCLC

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   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.

   2016 June 11, Phil McNulty, “England 1-1 Russia”, in BBC Sport, archived from the original on 24 May 2024

4. UKcountableuncountableteam sportsA 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.

   2012 June 9, Owen Phillips, “Euro 2012: Netherlands 0-1 Denmark”, in BBC Sport, archived from the original on 09 Sep 2025

5. UKcountableuncountableteam sportsThe portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.

   1 more example

   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.

   2011 November 10, Jeremy Wilson, “England Under 21 5 Iceland Under 21 0: match report”, in The Telegraph, archived from the original on 05 Dec 2012

6. UKcountableuncountableGovernment policy or (infra)structure related to the military.

   Department of Defence

7. UKcountableobsoleteuncountableProhibition; 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 […]

present singular third person defences · participle present defencing · participle past defenced · past defenced · alternative US defense

1. UKobsoletetransitiveTo furnish with defences; to fortify.

   Better manned and more strongly defenced.

   1656, John Hales, Dixi Custodiam