Definition of "defense"

The action of defending or protecting from attack, danger, or injury.  examples

Anything employed to oppose attack(s).

1. (team sports) A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offense.  examples

2. (team sports) The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offense.  examples

An argument in support or justification of something.

1. (law, by extension) The case presented by the defendant in a legal proceeding.  examples

2. (law, by extension) The lawyer or team thereof who presents such a case.  examples

(government, military, euphemistic) Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.

(obsolete) A prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.