noun
The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
Something used to oppose attacks.
An argument in support or justification of something.
(team sports) A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
(team sports) The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
(obsolete) Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.
verb
(obsolete, transitive) To furnish with defences; to fortify.