DEFENCE

n. 1 shelter, protection, cover, guard, safeguard, shield There is no defence against certain illnesses 2 fortification, armour, barricade, screen, bulwark, rampart Shore defences were set up, including barbed wire entanglements and concrete pillboxes 3 excuse, apology, reason, apologia, explanation; justification, vindication, argument, plea, advocacy, support His defence for decreasing welfare payments was inadequate She spoke in defence of nationalizing industry.