defense - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
defense Word Meanings
- the act of defending someone or something
- protection against attack or harm
- a legal argument in court
defense Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
defense Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈfɛns/
US
/dɪˈfɛns/
defense Word Etymology
de- = from, fens = to fend off. Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a sturdy wall around a castle, protecting it from invaders.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Defense in English covers more than guarding a person or place. It can mean the act of defending someone or something, or protection against attack or harm, as in national defense or personal defense against danger. It also appears in legal contexts as a defense in court—a legal argument offered to justify or excuse a behavior. You’ll encounter defense in phrases like ‘self-defense,’ ‘defense mechanism,’ and ‘in defense of someone.’ Note that British English often uses defence with a 'c,' while American English prefers defense. Related forms include defend (verb), defensive (adjective), and defender (noun). Understanding these nuances helps prevent common mistakes, such as confusing defense with defense-related concepts or misusing it as a verb.
Usage Reminders
- Use defense as a noun (the defense) rather than a verb.
- Differentiate defense from defensive (adjective) and to defend (verb).
- Mind the spelling: defence (British) vs defense (American).
- Learn common collocations: national defense, self-defense, defense attorney.
- In legal contexts, the defense is the side presenting or arguing a case.
Common Misconceptions
- Defense only refers to military protection.
- Defense is always a verb; you say defend, not defense.
- Defense and defence are exactly the same regardless of country.
- Self-defense is a different word and not related to legal defense.
- Defense cannot be used to describe protective mechanisms in psychology.
Thinking Differences
English often uses defense across protective, military, and legal senses with distinct collocations; learners struggle with spelling differences (defence) and with when to use defense vs defend.
Learning Tips
- Study the main senses: defense as protection, self-defense, and legal defense.
- Learn key collocations: national defense, defense attorney, defense mechanism.
- Practice spelling: defence is British; defense is American.
- Differentiate defend (verb) from defense (noun) and defensive (adj).
- Use in context: in defense of someone vs for defense against something.
- Review multiple example sentences to see context shifts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'defense'?
A.Driving a car
B.Cooking a delicious meal
C.Protecting oneself from harm
D.Playing a musical instrument
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'defense' correctly?
A.The defense of the castle was strong.
B.She used her defense to prepare a salad.
C.The football team scored a goal in the defense.
D.He played defense in the basketball game.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'defense'?
A.Journey
B.Dinner
C.Attack
D.Garden
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'defense'?
A.Offense
B.Protection
C.Escape
D.Joy
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of 'defense'?
A.Building a sandcastle at the beach
B.Watching a movie at the cinema
C.A boxer protecting themselves from punches
D.Painting a landscape
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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