noun

defences

defenses, fortifications, protection

The city's ancient defences are still standing.

The city's ancient defenses are still standing.

The body has natural defences against infection.

The body has natural defenses against infection.

The lawyer prepared the client's defences.

The lawyer prepared the client's defenses.

((a country's/city's)) defenses the protective structures of a place The city's ancient defenses are still standing.

((the body's)) defenses the body's ability to fight illness The body has natural defenses against infection.

((legal)) defenses arguments used in a court case The lawyer prepared the client's defenses.

Synonyms: protection, security, fortifications; Antonyms: attacks, offenses

From Latin 'defendere' (to ward off), from 'de-' (off) + '-fendere' (to strike). Note the US spelling 'defenses'.

Imagine building 'fences' for 'de-fense' (protection). The '-s' indicates plural protective measures.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.