protection from harm; "sanitation is the best defense against disease"
military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies; "they died in the defense of Stalingrad"; "they were developed for the defense program"
a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him; "he gave evidence for the defense"
the justification for some act or belief; "he offered a persuasive defense of the theory"
an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack; "he joined the defense against invasion"
the defendant and his legal advisors collectively; "the defense called for a mistrial"
(sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring; "his teams are always good on defense"
a boxing or wrestling match; "the fight was on television last night"
the act of fighting; any contest or struggle; "a fight broke out at the hockey game"; "there was fighting in the streets"; "the unhappy couple got into a terrible scrap"
an intense verbal dispute; "a violent fight over the bill is expected in the Senate"
fight against or resist strongly; "The senator said he would oppose the bill"; "Don't fight it!"
make a strenuous or labored effort; "She struggled for years to survive without welfare"; "He fought for breath"
a close affectionate and protective acceptance; "his willing embrace of new ideas"; "in the bosom of the family"
the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)
the state of taking in or encircling; "an island in the embrace of the sea"
squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness; "Hug me, please"; "They embraced"; "He hugged her close to him"
include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory; "This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds"; "this should cover everyone in the group"
affect; "Fear seized the prisoners"; "The patient was seized with unbearable pains"; "He was seized with a dreadful disease"
take hold of; grab; "The sales clerk quickly seized the money on the counter"; "She clutched her purse"; "The mother seized her child by the arm"; "Birds of prey often seize small mammals"
take or capture by force; "The terrorists seized the politicians"; "The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages"