Sports / B2

di-FENS/dɪˈfens/

Defence is protection against attack, or the accused person’s case in court (UK spelling): defence spending; in her defence. Defense is US. Defend is the verb. Offence can be the opposite in sport or law. Ministry of Defence is the UK department. Do not mix defence with deficit. Self-defence is a legal phrase.

Meaning

Protection against attack; also the case made for an accused person in court (UK spelling).

Examples

• “The ministry increased defence spending in the Budget.”
• “The Budget raised defence spending.”
• “The lawyer spoke in her defence, which is the court sense.”

Good to know

UK: defence. US: defense. spending / in someone’s defence / self-defence. Verb: defend. Department: Ministry of Defence.

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