( US defense )
■ noun
1》 the action of defending from or resisting attack.
↘military measures or resources for protecting a country.
↘(often ~s ) a means of protecting something from attack.
2》 the case presented by or on behalf of the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit.
↘( the ~ ) [treated as sing. or plural ] the counsel for the defendant in a lawsuit.
3》 attempted justification or vindication: he spoke in ~ of a disciplined approach.
4》 (in sport) the action or role of defending one's goal or wicket against the opposition.
↘( the ~ ) the players in a team who perform a defensive role.