defence

Definition

noun

the party in a legal case that is being sued by the claimant
the party in a criminal case that is being prosecuted
the legal team representing a party being sued or prosecuted
the arguments used when fighting a case
Example His defence was that he did not know the property was stolen.
a document or statement setting out a defendant’s case
(Note A defence must say which parts of a claim are denied or admitted, and which must be proved by the claimant.)

Usage to file a defence
to state that you wish to defend a case, and outline the reasons for doing so
the protection of someone or something against attack