Defense
/dɪˈfɛns/noun
The action of protecting from harm or danger.
Did you know?The root of 'defense' is intertwined with the concept of 'fending off' not just physical threats, but metaphysical ones as well, hinting at ancient beliefs in spiritual warfare.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰeh₁-
“to set, place, or put.”
Latin
Latin
defendere
“to ward off or protect.”
Old French
Old French
defens
“protection, defense.”
Middle English
Middle English
defens
“the act of defending.”
Modern English
English
defense
“the means of protecting against an attack.”