English · Word Candidate

defence

/dɪˈfɛns/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: defences

Sense 1

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

hành động bảo vệ, chống lại tấn công, nguy hiểm hoặc thương tích

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

NounRegister: UK

In cases of defence ’tis best to weigh The enemy more mighty than he seems:

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

Something used to oppose attacks.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

điều gì đó được sử dụng để chống lại các cuộc tấn công

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

NounRegister: UK

And nothing ’gainst Time’s scythe can make defence Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “defence” mean?

The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.

Is “defence” formal or informal?

defence is generally UK.