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
But Whitmer spokesperson Bobby Leddy hit back at the critics, suggesting the administration might be prepared to dig in its heels in defense of the plan.
—
Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 26 June 2024
If the country had subsequently rallied in defense of its republican ideals — during the congressional hearings on 1/6, for example — the next chapter could have reaffirmed the narrative of perennial self-correction.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 25 June 2024
Travis will testify in defense of artists who have not received royalty payments when nonsubscription radio stations play public performances of their creative works as well as in favor of legislation to modernize copyright laws.
—Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 June 2024
The International Brigades Foreigners fighting for Ukraine may call to mind the International Brigades that fought in defense of the Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War.
—JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for in defense of (something or someone) 
Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 26 June 2024
If the country had subsequently rallied in defense of its republican ideals — during the congressional hearings on 1/6, for example — the next chapter could have reaffirmed the narrative of perennial self-correction.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 25 June 2024
Travis will testify in defense of artists who have not received royalty payments when nonsubscription radio stations play public performances of their creative works as well as in favor of legislation to modernize copyright laws.
—Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 June 2024
The International Brigades Foreigners fighting for Ukraine may call to mind the International Brigades that fought in defense of the Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War.
—JSTOR Daily, 24 June 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 15 Jul. 2024.
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