1. to make a defense less strong or effective; to reduce the strength of defensive measures or arguments
The scandal served to weaken the defense in the legal case.
O escândalo serviu para enfraquecer a defesa no processo judicial.
2. in sports, to compromise or diminish a team's defensive capabilities
The injury of the key player will weaken the defense significantly.
A lesão do jogador chave vai enfraquecer a defesa significativamente.
3. to undermine or compromise defensive structures, systems, or strategies
The budget cuts weakened the defense budget considerably.
Os cortes orçamentários enfraqueceram a defesa consideravelmente.