defences

Noun

defence (countable and uncountable, plural defences)

1. (UK) The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
   • In cases of defence ’tis best to weigh
     The enemy more mighty than he seems:1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life of Henry the Fift”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount...
2. (UK) Something used to oppose attacks.
   • And nothing ’gainst Time’s scythe can make defence
     Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence.1609, William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 12”, in Shake-speares Sonnets. […], London: By G[eorge] Eld for T[homas] T[horpe] and are to be sold by William Aspley, →OCLC
3. (UK) An argument in support or justification of something.
   • Speak of my lameness, and I straight will halt,
     Against thy reasons making no defence.1609, William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 89”, in Shake-speares Sonnets. […], London: By G[eorge] Eld for T[homas] T[horpe] and are to be sold by William Aspley, →OCLC
4. (UK, team sports) A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
   • But the Danes remained resolute in defence - largely thanks to a spirited display by captain Daniel Agger - and they went ahead with their first meaningful attack.2012 June 9, Owen Phillips, “Euro 2012: Netherlands 0-1 Denmark”, in BBC Sport, archived from the original on 09 Sep 2025
5. (UK, team sports) The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
   • The most persistent tormentor was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored a hat-trick in last month’s corresponding fixture in Iceland. His ability to run at defences is instantly striking, but it is his clever use of possession that has persuaded some shrewd judges that he is an even better prospect...2011 November 10, Jeremy Wilson, “England Under 21 5 Iceland Under 21 0: match report”, in The Telegraph, archived from the original on 05 Dec 2012
6. (UK) Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
   • Department of Defence

See all 8 meanings of defence