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

Each year, Scouts, Scouters, veterans and other community groups from all over the Bay Area gather in tribute to these gallant men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. —Karl Mondon, Mercury News, 25 May 2025

Cloud and the Liberty walked away with the team's first-ever 3-0 start to a season in defense of their title. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025

The authors’ arguments in defense of the prairie and its people deserve attention. —Monitor Staff, Christian Science Monitor, 22 May 2025

Democratic leadership has spoken out in defense of McIver. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 21 May 2025