[dɪˈfɛns], (Noun)

Definitions:
- the action of defending from or resisting attack
(e.g: methods of defence against this kind of attack)

- the case presented by or on behalf of the party accused of a crime or being sued in a civil lawsuit
(e.g: the farmer's defence was that he intended only to wound the thief)

- (in sport) the action or role of defending one's goal or wicket against the opposition
(e.g: Wolves were pressed back into defence)


Phrases:
- defence in depth

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French defens, from late Latin defensum (neuter), defensa (feminine), past participles of defendere ‘defend’