in defense of (something or someone)
idiom
variants
or in something's or someone's defense
1
: in order to keep (something) safe that is being physically attacked
They fought in defense of their country.
2
: in support of (someone or something) that is being verbally attacked or criticized
She spoke out in defense of justice.
Let me say, in her defense, that I would have done the same thing that she did.
He spoke up in his own defense.
Examples of in defense of (something or someone) in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The tourists may have interrupted the eagle while feeding on the primate or while hunting the paca, prompting the raptor to attack in defense of its prey.
—
Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
Carney posted a 114-word response on X late Thursday that appeared to avert further escalation of trade tensions while striking a firm posture in defense of Canada's economic interests.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 July 2025
Their supporters express confidence in their prospects before a strongly conservative court majority, but there’s a powerful counter case in defense of California’s laws, said Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for LGBTQ Rights.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
Despite the dire predictions of many, Israel's campaign against Iran's nuclear program (and America's assistance to it) didn't lead either Russia or the People's Republic of China (PRC) to wade into the fray in defense of the Islamic Republic, generating a wider war.
—Ilan Berman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for in defense of (something or someone)
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Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
Carney posted a 114-word response on X late Thursday that appeared to avert further escalation of trade tensions while striking a firm posture in defense of Canada's economic interests.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 July 2025
Their supporters express confidence in their prospects before a strongly conservative court majority, but there’s a powerful counter case in defense of California’s laws, said Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for LGBTQ Rights.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
Despite the dire predictions of many, Israel's campaign against Iran's nuclear program (and America's assistance to it) didn't lead either Russia or the People's Republic of China (PRC) to wade into the fray in defense of the Islamic Republic, generating a wider war.
—Ilan Berman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for in defense of (something or someone)
Cite this Entry
“In defense of (something or someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20defense%20of%20%28something%20or%20someone%29. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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