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
Ng, like many others in attendance, spoke in defense of open source models.
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Lauren Goode, WIRED, 26 July 2024
Certain species, like yellowjackets and hornets, are more aggressive and quicker to sting in defense of their colony compared to solitary wasps, which are generally less aggressive.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 16 Aug. 2024
The climax of this distinctively modern approach to Jewish politics came not in defense of the Jews but in support of the New Deal and the Black Freedom struggle.
—Corey Robin, The New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2024
Khan’s statements were made as part of a broader argument for fair and open competition in the tech industry, and in defense of the regulatory actions the FTC and the US Justice Department have taken against Big Tech companies over the past four years.
—Lauren Goode, WIRED, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for in defense of (something or someone) 
Lauren Goode, WIRED, 26 July 2024
Certain species, like yellowjackets and hornets, are more aggressive and quicker to sting in defense of their colony compared to solitary wasps, which are generally less aggressive.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 16 Aug. 2024
The climax of this distinctively modern approach to Jewish politics came not in defense of the Jews but in support of the New Deal and the Black Freedom struggle.
—Corey Robin, The New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2024
Khan’s statements were made as part of a broader argument for fair and open competition in the tech industry, and in defense of the regulatory actions the FTC and the US Justice Department have taken against Big Tech companies over the past four years.
—Lauren Goode, WIRED, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for in defense of (something or someone)
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'in defense of (something or someone).' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 12 Sep. 2024.
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