How Do You Spell DEFENCE?

Pronunciation: [dɪfˈɛns] (IPA)

The word "defence" is commonly used in British English to refer to protection against something. The spelling of the word comes from the Old French "defense", and it is pronounced as "dɪˈfɛns" using the IPA phonetic transcription system. The sound "e" in the middle of the word is pronounced as "ɛ", which is a short "e" sound that is pronounced with an open mouth. Overall, the spelling of "defence" reflects the word's linguistic roots and is essential to communicate clearly and accurately in English.

DEFENCE Meaning and Definition

  1. Defence is a noun that refers to the act or process of protecting oneself, one's interests, or a country against potential harm, danger, or attack. It can also describe a military or strategic system, organization, or operation employed for protection purposes. Defence encompasses various actions, strategies, or equipment utilized to ensure security, safety, or preservation against possible threats or adversaries.

    In the context of personal or individual defence, it involves measures taken by an individual to safeguard themselves physically, mentally, or emotionally. This can include techniques such as self-defense training, carrying personal protection devices, or practicing situational awareness.

    On a broader scale, defence can also denote the military capabilities or forces of a nation or state. These forces commonly include branches like the army, navy, air force, and intelligence agencies, and are responsible for safeguarding the territorial integrity, national interests, and the well-being of citizens. Defence strategies involve developing, deploying, and maintaining various resources, including weaponry, surveillance systems, and skilled personnel.

    Furthermore, defence can also refer to legal strategies employed in courtrooms to protect a defendant against criminal charges or accusations. Defence lawyers are responsible for providing arguments, evidence, or legal maneuvers aimed at disproving or mitigating the charges brought against their clients.

    In summary, defence encompasses a wide range of concepts, whether it be protecting oneself, a country, or challenging legal accusations, all aimed at safeguarding against potential harm, danger, or attack.

  2. Anything that protects from danger, injury, or attack; protection; justification; resistance; opposition; reply to demands or charges.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DEFENCE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DEFENCE

Etymology of DEFENCE

The word "defence" originated from the Old French term "defens", which is derived from the Latin word "defensus", the past participle of "defendere". In Latin, "defendere" is a compound word composed of "de", meaning "down" or "away from", and "fendere", meaning "strike" or "repel". The combination of these elements gives "defendere" the overall meaning of "to ward off" or "protect". Over time, "defens" evolved into "defense" in Middle English and eventually became the modern English word "defence".

Idioms with the word DEFENCE

  • jump to sb's defence The idiom "jump to someone's defense" means to come to someone's aid or support them in an argument, disagreement, or confrontation. It implies taking a proactive and assertive stance to protect or defend the person, often by vigorously expressing one's disagreement with the opposing party or by offering counterarguments in support of the defended individual.

Similar spelling words for DEFENCE

Plural form of DEFENCE is DEFENCES

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