definition of
defence

[1] #1 defence n. [defense mechanism, defense reaction, defence mechanism, defence reaction, defense] (psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires. wn

[2] #2 defence n. [defense, defending team] (sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring; "his teams are always good on defense". wn

[3] #3 defence n. [defense, defense team, defense lawyers] the defendant and his legal advisors collectively; "the defense called for a mistrial". wn

[4] #4 defence n. [defense, defense force, defence force] an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack; "he joined the defense against invasion". wn

[5] #5 defence n. [refutation, defense] 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". wn