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
The American Petroleum Institute filed an amicus brief in defense of the EPA.
—
Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025
Daniels' leadership and willingness to stand up to the Trump administration in defense of the free press was challenged in a membership meeting following the loss in March − according to media news outlet Status.
—James Powel, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Francis often spoke up in defense of Palestinians and was outspoken in his criticism of Israel for its blockade of Gaza.
—Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
The Whoopi Goldberg War Room™ has taken up arms in defense of a fellow entity of utmost importance on the global stage: Michelle Obama's right to refuse attendance to Donald Trump's inauguration.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in defense of (something or someone)
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Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025
Daniels' leadership and willingness to stand up to the Trump administration in defense of the free press was challenged in a membership meeting following the loss in March − according to media news outlet Status.
—James Powel, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Francis often spoke up in defense of Palestinians and was outspoken in his criticism of Israel for its blockade of Gaza.
—Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
The Whoopi Goldberg War Room™ has taken up arms in defense of a fellow entity of utmost importance on the global stage: Michelle Obama's right to refuse attendance to Donald Trump's inauguration.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 7 May. 2025.
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