defence
Translation
defense, protection, justification
Examples
The city's defences were strong.
The city's defenses were strong.
He spoke in defence of his actions.
He spoke in defense of his actions.
The team has a very good defence.
The team has a very good defense.
The lawyer prepared the defence for the trial.
The lawyer prepared the defense for the trial.
Grammar Patterns
defense ((against sth.)) protection against sth. The best defense against illness is a healthy lifestyle.
in defense ((of sb./sth.)) in support of sb./sth. He spoke in defense of his friend.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Old French 'defense', from Latin 'defensa' (a defending), from 'defendere' (to ward off, protect).
Memory Tips
The US spelling is 'defense' (with an 's'), while British English uses 'defence' (with a 'c'). Think of a 'fence' as a form of 'defense'.