defence

Etymology

From Middle English defens, defense, from Old French defens, defense, from Latin dēfensa (“protection”).

noun

1. The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
2. Something used to oppose attacks.
3. An argument in support or justification of something.
   In Hodgson's defence, it must be stated that in large parts this was a vibrant, energetic performance with the emphasis almost exclusively on attack. 11 June 2016, Phil McNulty, “England 1-1 Russia”, in BBC Sport
4. (team sports) A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
5. (team sports) The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
6. Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
   Department of Defence
7. (obsolete) Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.
   1673, William Temple, “An Essay upon the Advancement of Trade in Ireland” in Miscellanea, London: Edw[ard] Gellibrand, 1680, p. 116, […] severe defences may be made against weaving any Linnen under a certain breadth, such as may be of better use to the poorest People […]

verb

1. (obsolete, transitive) To furnish with defences; to fortify.
   Better manned and more strongly defenced. 1656, John Hales, Dixi Custodiam