defence
/dɪˈfens/( <美> defense)
noun
mass noun
1
- the action of defending from or resisting attack防卫, 保卫：
they relied on missiles for the country's defence
他们依靠导弹进行国家防卫
she came to the defence of the eccentric professor.
她开始为那个古怪教授辩护了。
1.1
- attempted justification or vindication of something辩护, 辩明：
he spoke in defence of a disciplined approach.
他为遵守纪律的做法作辩护。
1.2
- count noun an instance of defending a title or seat in a contest or election（竞赛中的）卫冕; （选举中的）保住席位：
his first title defence against Jones.
他对琼斯的首场卫冕赛。
1.3
- military measures or resources for protecting a country国防, 防御：
the minister of defence
国防部长
as modifier defence policy.防务政策。
1.4
- a means of protecting something from attack保卫, 防御：
wire netting is the best defence against rabbits.
铁丝网是防卫野兔的最佳方法。
1.5
defences
fortifications or barriers against attack防御工事：coastal defences.
海岸防御工事。
1.6
- (in sport) the action or role of defending one's goal or wicket against the opposition（体育用语）防守：
Wolves were pressed back into defence.
狼队被逼退回防守。
1.7
the defence
the players in a team who perform this role防守队员。
2
- count noun the case presented by or on behalf of the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit申诉。
2.1
- （一般作the defence）[treated as sing. or pl.] the counsel for the defendant in a lawsuit被告方：
the defence requested more time to prepare their case.
被告方要求有更多的时间来准备他们的案子。
短语
defence in depth
- the practice of arranging defensive lines or fortifications so that they can defend each other, especially in case of an enemy incursion纵深防御（尤指敌人侵犯时防御线或阵地可互相协防）。
词源
Middle English: from Old French defens, from late Latin defensum (neuter)， defensa (feminine)， past participles of defendere 'defend'.