<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>resistance against attack; protection: Two more regiments are needed for the defense of the city.</li><li>something that guards against harm, such as a fortification, physical or mental quality, or medication: This fort was once the main defense of the island.</li><li>the support of a cause or the like by speech, argument, etc.: He spoke in defense of the nation's foreign policy.</li><li>a speech, argument, etc., in vindication: She delivered a defense of free enterprise.</li><li>Law: the denial or pleading of the defendant in answer to the claim or charge that has been made.</li><li>the proceedings adopted by a defendant or the defendant's legal agents, for defending against the charges that have been made.</li><li>a defendant and their counsel.</li><li>Psychology: defense mechanism (def 2).</li><li>Sports: the practice or art of shielding oneself or one's goal from attack, as in fencing, boxing, soccer, or football.</li><li>the team attempting to thwart the attack of the team having the ball or puck.</li><li>the players of a team who line up in their own defensive zone.</li><li>the positions on the field, ice, etc., taken by such players.</li><li>(initial capital letter) Also called Defense Department: Informal, the Department of Defense.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) de·fensed, de·fens·ing. Sports: to defend against (an opponent, play, or tactic).</li></ul>