defence
gb/dɪfˈɛns/ us/dɪfˈɛns/
A2
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
protection from attack or harm
When you keep someone or something safe from harm or attack.
Usage pattern:
in defence of [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'defence' with 'offense' in sports contexts; 'defence' refers to preventing the other team from scoring.
Synonyms
protection (A more general term that can refer to physical or non-physical safety.)
Antonyms
attack (The opposite action, meaning to try to harm or damage someone or something.)
Collocations
self-defence
|in defence of
|national defence
|defence strategy
|defence system
Themes
sports
|law
|security
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The castle's walls were built for defence against invaders.
- She spoke in defence of her friend.
- The country is increasing its defence budget to improve security.
- Good communication is your best defence against misunderstandings.
Learner examples
- The dog is here for defence.
- He ran to his brother's defence.
- The army is for the defence of the country.
- I spoke in defence of my classmate.
Noun
B2
entity
2
legal argument for innocence
What a lawyer says in court to show the accused person is not guilty.
Usage pattern:
the defence argues that [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'defence' with 'defendant'; 'defence' is the argument, while 'defendant' is the person accused.
Synonyms
justification (Focuses on explaining why an action was right or acceptable rather than proving innocence.)
Antonyms
prosecution (The side in a trial that tries to prove the accused is guilty.)
Collocations
criminal defence
|defence lawyer
|mount a defence
|the right to a defence
Themes
law
|communication
Examples
- The defence called several witnesses to support their case.
- Her lawyer prepared a strong defence against the charges.
- The judge listened carefully to the defence's arguments.
- In his defence, he claimed he was at home during the incident.
Learner examples
- The defence said he did not do it.
- Her defence was that she was at work.
- The defence had three people speak for him.
- The lawyer made a good defence in court.
Noun
A2
entity
3
sports team preventing scoring
The part of a sports team that tries to stop the other team from getting points or goals.
Usage pattern:
play in defence
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'defence' with 'midfield' in football; 'defence' focuses on stopping attacks near goal.
Synonyms
backline (Used mainly in certain sports like rugby or soccer to describe defensive players.)
Antonyms
offense (The part of a team that tries to score points or goals.)
Collocations
strong defence
|play in defence
|defence line
|defence tactics
Themes
sports
Examples
- Our team's defence was solid throughout the match.
- He usually plays in defence rather than attack.
- The coach praised the defence for their hard work.
- A weak defence can cost you the game.
Learner examples
- He plays in defence on his football team.
- The team's defence was strong today.
- We need a better defence to win.
- She trains with the defence players.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
4
military protection of a nation
When a country uses its army, navy, or air force to stop enemies from attacking it.
Synonyms
security (Broader term that can include non-military measures.)
Antonyms
invasion (An aggressive entry into a country by armed forces.)
Collocations
national defence
|defence budget
|defence forces
Themes
military
|politics
|law
Examples
- National defence spending has increased this year.
- They discussed strategies for the country's defence against possible threats.
- Defence forces were mobilized after the alert.
Learner examples
- The country spends money on defence.
- Defence is important for safety.
- They have strong defence forces.
Grammar
Dictionary form
defence
IPA
GB/dɪfˈɛns/
US/dɪfˈɛns/
Syllables & stress
de - fence (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fence)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: defence
- Variant Spelling: defense
- Plural: defence, defences
Word family
Forms
defense
noun B1
defences
noun
Related words
defensively
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
defenceless
adjective
defenseless
adjective
Advanced or less common
defensible
adjective
indefensible
adjective
Highlights
- Spelling Variant: defense Noun
Expressions
come to someone's defence
1/kˈʌm tə sˈʌmwˌʌnz dɪfˈɛns/
fixed phrase
helping protect someone from harm/criticism
To help someone by protecting them from being hurt or criticised.
Examples
- Several friends came to her defence when she was unfairly blamed.
- He came to my defence during the heated debate.
in defence of
1/ˈɪn dɪfˈɛns əv/
fixed phrase
protecting or supporting someone/something
To say or do something to protect or support someone or something from attack or criticism.
Examples
- She spoke in defence of her colleague during the meeting.
- In defence of his actions, he explained the difficult situation he was in.
self-defence
1/sˈɛlf dɪfˈɛns/
fixed phrase
protecting oneself from harm
When you protect yourself from being hurt by another person.
Examples
- He claimed he hit the attacker in self-defence.
- Learning self-defence can help you feel safer.