in defense of (something or someone)

idiom

variants or in something's or someone's defense

: in order to keep (something) safe that is being physically attacked

They fought in defense of their country.

: 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

And of the 24 cases actually prosecuted, only two were in defense of pregnancy care centers. —

Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 Presidents can pardon violent criminals convicted of sedition and violence in defense of their politics. —

Axios, 22 Jan. 2025 Finch offered a statement in defense of her actions and addressed the suspicions of those online. —

Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025 His mom expresses fear that one day Maksym and his older brother will have to take up arms in defense of Ukraine. —

Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for in defense of (something or someone)

Dictionary Entries Near in defense of (something or someone)

indefective

in defense of (something or someone)

indefensible

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“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 31 Jan. 2025.

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