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defense

[/dɪˈfɛns/]
nounfemininepl: defenses
defesa
1. the action of defending against attack
The country strengthened its defense against invasion.
O país fortaleceu sua defesa contra invasão.
2. a system or structure designed to protect
The castle's defense walls were impenetrable.
As muralhas de defesa do castelo eram impenetráveis.
3. in law, the case presented by the defendant
The defense lawyer argued for her client's innocence.
O advogado de defesa argumentou pela inocência de sua cliente.
4. in sports, the team or players trying to prevent scoring
The basketball team's defense was strong in the second half.
A defesa do time de basquete foi forte na segunda metade.
5. a psychological mechanism to protect oneself
Denial is a common defense mechanism.
A negação é um mecanismo de defesa comum.
Synonyms
protectionguardshieldsafeguardresistance
Antonyms
attackoffenseaggressionassault

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
defesa
standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
defesa
same as general Brazilian
São Paulo
defesa
same as general Brazilian
Portugal
defesa
standard European Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

defense mechanism
mount a defense
in defense of
defense strategy
line of defense
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