Defence vs. Defense — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
"Defence" and "Defense" both mean the act of protecting or resisting, but "Defence" is British English, and "Defense" is American English.
Difference Between Defence and Defense
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Both Defence and Defense signify the act or process of defending or protecting against harm. They refer to the action of resisting an attack or shielding from danger. While their meanings align almost perfectly, the difference lies in their regional usage. Defence is the preferred spelling in British English, whereas Defense finds favor in American English.
When reading British literature or publications, you're likely to encounter Defence. It might be in the context of military, legal, or even sports discussions. For instance, the Ministry of Defence in the UK is equivalent to the Department of Defense in the US. Both entities oversee their respective nation's military affairs, but the terminology varies based on the region.
In legal contexts, both terms also come into play. A defendant's argument or justification in British court would be called their "legal defence," while in the US, it would be termed their "legal defense." Similarly, in sports, British commentators might praise a football team's robust defence, while American commentators laud a team's strong defense in a game of American football.
In everyday conversation or writing, the choice between Defence and Defense should be guided by the audience's familiarity or the regional norms of the language. The main point to remember is that while their spelling varies, their underlying meanings are consistent, centered around protection and resistance.
It's also worth noting that the distinction is not just limited to these terms. There are several other words where American and British English part ways in terms of spelling. The divergence between Defence and Defense is but one instance of the broader linguistic variances between these two major English dialects.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Defence
Defense
Regional Usage
British English
American English
Example in Military Context
UK Ministry of Defence
US Department of Defense
Example in Legal Context
Legal defence in the UK
Legal defense in the US
Example in Sports Context
Football defence in the UK
Football defense in the US
Compare with Definitions
Defence
The act of protecting from harm.
The castle's defence was impenetrable.
Defense
Players or a team in sports preventing the adversary from scoring.
Their basketball defense was unmatched.
Defence
A barrier or fortification against attack.
The city built a defence wall around its perimeter.
Defense
A protective structure or barricade.
The fortress had multiple layers of defense.
Defence
The argument or justification in a legal case.
Her legal defence was based on an alibi.
Defense
The act of contesting or pushing back against something.
The community organized a defense against the proposed construction.
Defence
The team or players tasked with preventing the opposition from scoring in sports.
The team's defence was praised for their performance.
Defense
The act of defending against attack, danger, or injury.
Defence
The act of resisting or opposing.
The citizens mounted a strong defence against the new policy.
Defense
A means or method of defending or protecting.
Defence
Variant of defense.
Defense
(Sports) The act or an instance of defending a championship against a challenger
Will box in his third defense of his title.
Defence
The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
Defense
An argument in support or justification of something.
Defence
Something used to oppose attacks.
Defense
The act of defending a case.
Defence
An argument in support or justification of something.
Defense
A fact or law that provides a full or partial exoneration of the defendant against the charges or claims made in a lawsuit or prosecution.
Defence
A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
Defense
The defendant and the defendant's legal counsel.
Defence
The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
Defense
The science or art of defending oneself; self-defense.
Defence
Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
Department of Defence
Defense
The means or tactics used in trying to stop the opposition from scoring.
Defence
(obsolete) Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.
Defense
The team or those players on the team attempting to stop the opposition from scoring.
Defence
To furnish with defences; to fortify.
Defense
Defending ability or potential.
Defence
See Defense.
Defense
The provision of personnel and resources for military purposes
Proposed spending more on defense.
Defence
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
Defense
To attempt to stop (the opposition) from scoring.
Defence
(sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring;
His teams are always good on defense
Defense
To play defense against (an opponent or play).
Defence
The defendant and his legal advisors collectively;
The defense called for a mistrial
Defense
The action of defending or protecting from attack, danger, or injury.
Defence
An organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack;
He joined the defense against invasion
Defense
Anything employed to oppose attack(s).
Defence
The speech act of answering an attack on your assertions;
His refutation of the charges was short and persuasive
In defense he said the other man started it
Defense
A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offense.
Defence
The justification for some act or belief;
He offered a persuasive defense of the theory
Defense
The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offense.
Defence
A structure used for defense;
The artillery battered down the defenses
Defense
An argument in support or justification of something.
Defence
A defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him;
He gave evidence for the defense
Defense
The case presented by the defendant in a legal proceeding.
Defence
Military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies;
They died in the defense of Stalingrad
They were developed for the defense program
Defense
The lawyer or team thereof who presents such a case.
Defence
Protection from harm;
Sanitation is the best defense against disease
Defense
Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
Department of Defense
Defense
(obsolete) A prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.
Defense
The act of defending, or the state of being defended; protection, as from violence or danger.
In cases of defense 't is best to weighThe enemy more mighty than he seems.
Defense
That which defends or protects; anything employed to oppose attack, ward off violence or danger, or maintain security; a guard; a protection.
War would arise in defense of the right.
God, the widow's champion and defense.
Defense
Protecting plea; vindication; justification.
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense.
Defense
The defendant's answer or plea; an opposing or denial of the truth or validity of the plaintiff's or prosecutor's case; the method of proceeding adopted by the defendant to protect himself against the plaintiff's action.
Defense
Act or skill in making defense; defensive plan or policy; practice in self defense, as in fencing, boxing, etc.
A man of great defense.
By how much defense is better than no skill.
Defense
Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.
Severe defenses . . . against wearing any linen under a certain breadth.
Defense
To furnish with defenses; to fortify.
Better manned and more strongly defensed.
Defense
(sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring;
His teams are always good on defense
Defense
Military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies;
They died in the defense of Stalingrad
They were developed for the defense program
Defense
The defendant and his legal advisors collectively;
The defense called for a mistrial
Defense
Protection from harm;
Sanitation is the best defense against disease
Defense
A structure used for defense;
The artillery battered down the defenses
Defense
The speech act of answering an attack on your assertions;
His refutation of the charges was short and persuasive
In defense he said the other man started it
Defense
The justification for some act or belief;
He offered a persuasive defense of the theory
Defense
A defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him;
He gave evidence for the defense
Defense
An organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack;
He joined the defense against invasion
Defense
The federal department responsible for safeguarding national security of the UnitedStates; created in 1947
Defense
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
Defense
The action of shielding or guarding from danger.
The country bolstered its defense capabilities.
Defense
The reasoning presented by a defendant in a legal trial.
His defense attorney presented new evidence.
Common Curiosities
Are "Defence" and "Defense" interchangeable?
Yes, in meaning, but "Defence" is British English and "Defense" is American English.
If I'm writing for a British audience, which spelling should I use?
Use "Defence" for a British audience.
Are there other words that differ in spelling between American and British English like Defence and Defense?
Yes, many, such as "colour" (British) and "color" (American).
Do both terms have military connotations?
Yes, both terms can be used in a military context.
In which country would I find the Ministry of Defence?
The UK uses the term Ministry of Defence.
In a British courtroom, what term describes a defendant's justification?
In British courts, it's called a legal defence.
Which term would I find in an American dictionary?
"Defense" is listed in American dictionaries.
Is the pronunciation of Defence and Defense different?
Generally, the pronunciation is the same.
In British sports commentary, what term describes players stopping goals?
British commentators use the term "defence."
How does the US term its primary military department?
The US uses the term Department of Defense.
How do Americans refer to players preventing scores in sports?
Americans refer to them as the defense.
How do I determine which term to use in my writing?
Consider the audience's familiarity or the regional norms of the language.
Can I use "Defense" in British writing?
While it's understood, "Defence" is the preferred British spelling.
In American football, what term describes players stopping touchdowns?
They are referred to as the defense.
Are the meanings of Defence and Defense identical?
Yes, they both center around protection and resistance, but the spelling varies by region.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
