noun
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
Synonyms
defense mechanism
defense reaction
defence mechanism
defence reaction
defense
noun
(sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring
Synonyms
Examples
- his teams are always good on defense
noun
the defendant and his legal advisors collectively
Synonyms
defense
defense team
defense lawyers
Examples
- the defense called for a mistrial
noun
an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack
Synonyms
defense
defense force
defence force
Examples
- he joined the defense against invasion
noun
the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions
Synonyms
Examples
- his refutation of the charges was short and persuasive
- in defense he said the other man started it
noun
the justification for some act or belief
Synonyms
Examples
- he offered a persuasive defense of the theory
noun
a structure used to defend against attack
Synonyms
Examples
- the artillery battered down the defenses
noun
a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him
Synonyms
Examples
- he gave evidence for the defense
noun
(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
Synonyms
Examples
- they died in the defense of Stalingrad
- they were developed for the defense program
noun
protection from harm
Synonyms
Examples
- sanitation is the best defense against disease
noun
the act of defending someone or something against attack or injury
Synonyms
Examples
- a good boxer needs a good defense
- defense against hurricanes is an urgent problem