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
Beyond seeking security, humans have long fought wars in pursuit of triumph or in defense of honor.
—
Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Taiwanese have expressed anxiety over Trump’s comments on the campaign trail raising doubt that the U.S. would intervene in defense of the island in the event of a Chinese invasion, and calling for Taipei to pay Washington for protection.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Ryan Smith’s previous work, NFL 360: Who If Not Us, followed a group of football players in Ukraine who confronted the turmoil of the Russian invasion by joining the military in defense of their country.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024
However, Lighthizer has offered the following remarks in defense of Trump's tariff policy.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for in defense of (something or someone) 
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Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Taiwanese have expressed anxiety over Trump’s comments on the campaign trail raising doubt that the U.S. would intervene in defense of the island in the event of a Chinese invasion, and calling for Taipei to pay Washington for protection.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Ryan Smith’s previous work, NFL 360: Who If Not Us, followed a group of football players in Ukraine who confronted the turmoil of the Russian invasion by joining the military in defense of their country.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024
However, Lighthizer has offered the following remarks in defense of Trump's tariff policy.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for in defense of (something or someone)
Dictionary Entries Near 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 28 Nov. 2024.
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