n. 25B6; noun
the defence of the fortress : PROTECTION, guarding, security, fortification; resistance, deterrent.
the enemy's defences : BARRICADE, fortification; fortress, keep, rampart, bulwark, bastion.
he spoke in defence of his boss : VINDICATION, justification, support, advocacy, endorsement; apology, explanation, exoneration.
more spending on defence : ARMAMENTS, weapons, weaponry, arms; the military, the armed forces.
the prisoner's defence : VINDICATION, explanation, mitigation, justification, rationalization, excuse, alibi, reason; plea, pleading; testimony, declaration, case.