defense

defense

noun

Definition of DEFENSE

1

means or method of defending <thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals>

Synonyms aegis (also egis), ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward

Related Words arm, armament, munitions, weapon, weaponry; fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, stronghold

Near Antonyms aggression, assault, attack, offense (or offence), offensive

2

an explanation that frees one from fault or blame <there's absolutely no defense for your actions>

Synonyms alibi, apology, defense, justification, plea, reason

Related Words color, guise, pretense (or pretence), pretext, rationale, rationalization, vindication, whitewash; cop-out, out; acknowledgment (or acknowledgement), atonement, confession; extenuation, palliation