defence

Etymology
From, , from , , from.

Noun

 * 1) The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
 * 2) Something used to oppose attacks.
 * 3) An argument in support or justification of something.
 * 4)  A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
 * 5)  The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
 * 6) Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
 * 7)  Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.
 * 8) * 1673,, “An Essay upon the Advancement of Trade in Ireland” in Miscellanea, London: Edw[ard] Gellibrand, 1680, p. 116,
 * severe defences may be made against weaving any Linnen under a certain breadth, such as may be of better use to the poorest People
 * 1) Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
 * 2)  Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.
 * 3) * 1673,, “An Essay upon the Advancement of Trade in Ireland” in Miscellanea, London: Edw[ard] Gellibrand, 1680, p. 116,
 * severe defences may be made against weaving any Linnen under a certain breadth, such as may be of better use to the poorest People
 * severe defences may be made against weaving any Linnen under a certain breadth, such as may be of better use to the poorest People

Usage notes
The noun spelling is mainly used in the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand; defense is more commonly used in the USA.

Synonyms

 * See Thesaurus:defence

Verb

 * 1)  To furnish with defences; to fortify.