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