defence
n 1: an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety
associated with instinctive desires [syn: {defense
mechanism}, {defense reaction}, {defence mechanism}, {defence
reaction}, {defense}]
2: the team that is trying to prevent the other team from
scoring; "his teams are always good on defense" [syn: {defense},
{defending team}] [ant: {offense}]
3: the defendant and his legal advisors collectively; "the
defense called for a mistrial" [syn: {defense}, {defense
team}, {defense lawyers}] [ant: {prosecution}]
4: an organization of defenders that provides resistance
against attack; "he joined the defense against invasion"
[syn: {defense}]
5: the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions;
"his refutation of the charges was short and persuasive";
"in defense he said the other man started it" [syn: {refutation},
{defense}]
6: the justification for some act or belief; "he offered a
persuasive defense of the theory" [syn: {defense}, {vindication}]
7: a structure used for defense; "the artillery battered down
the defenses" [syn: {defensive structure}, {defense}]
8: a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the
charges against him; "he gave evidence for the defense"
[syn: {defense}, {denial}, {demurrer}] [ant: {prosecution}]
9: military action or resources protecting a country against
potential enemies; "they died in the defense of
Stalingrad"; "they were developed for the defense program"
[syn: {defense}, {defensive measure}]
10: protection from harm; "sanitation is the best defense
against disease" [syn: {defense}]