defence
noun
UK ( US defense) uk/dɪˈfens/ us [ S or U ] LAW
an argument or explanation which you use to prove that you are not guilty of something:
Now he says he's done nothing wrong, and I assume that will be his defence in court.
a defense attorney/lawyer
the defence [ S ]
LAW
the person or people in a law case who have been accused of doing something illegal, and the lawyer or lawyers who are representing them:
He claims that official documents of vital importance to the defence were not available.
Compare
prosecution
[ C ]
a method used by a company to avoid having another company take control of it:
The chief executive led a vigorous takeover defence.
One possible defence strategy is to mount a higher counter-bid for the parent company.
See also
crown jewels defence
Pacman defence