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
Earlier this year at the 2024 Grammy Awards, JAY-Z was honored with the 2nd annual Dr. Dre Global Impact Award — in recognition of his musical legacy — and used his acceptance speech to call out the organization that honored him in defense of his wife.
—
Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024
The Arab media, which had been badly fragmented and politically polarized during the previous decade’s intraregional political wars, has largely reunited in defense of Gaza.
—Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2024
After all, Metro has been promoting both projects with the notion of picking a side, making Cole’s decision to collaborate with him and Future (mere days after ostensibly standing in defense of himself and Drizzy) either an unforced error or an act of war.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2024
Amid growing protectionism and authoritarianism around the globe, our government must stand firm in defense of those values and interests.
—Ed Brzytwa, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024
Torres has been one of the most outspoken House Democrats in defense of Israel after the militant group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 13 Apr. 2024
Taylor Wilson: And what do scientists say about the usefulness of the Chandra at this point in defense of it?
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024
In 2021, Twitter’s then-safety team published an essay in defense of anonymity, although Twitter at that time was different in other ways, including its enforcement of a policy against hateful or dehumanizing imagery.
—David Ingram, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2024
In a statement yesterday, Jordan’s government said the interceptions were made to ensure the safety of its citizens, rather than in defense of Israel.
—NBC News, 16 Apr. 2024
Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024
The Arab media, which had been badly fragmented and politically polarized during the previous decade’s intraregional political wars, has largely reunited in defense of Gaza.
—Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2024
After all, Metro has been promoting both projects with the notion of picking a side, making Cole’s decision to collaborate with him and Future (mere days after ostensibly standing in defense of himself and Drizzy) either an unforced error or an act of war.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2024
Amid growing protectionism and authoritarianism around the globe, our government must stand firm in defense of those values and interests.
—Ed Brzytwa, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024
Torres has been one of the most outspoken House Democrats in defense of Israel after the militant group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 13 Apr. 2024
Taylor Wilson: And what do scientists say about the usefulness of the Chandra at this point in defense of it?
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024
In 2021, Twitter’s then-safety team published an essay in defense of anonymity, although Twitter at that time was different in other ways, including its enforcement of a policy against hateful or dehumanizing imagery.
—David Ingram, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2024
In a statement yesterday, Jordan’s government said the interceptions were made to ensure the safety of its citizens, rather than in defense of Israel.
—NBC News, 16 Apr. 2024
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 3 May. 2024.
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