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
Others have come out in defense of the ad and mocked the online backlash, including politicians like Vice President JD Vance.
—
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2025
But has Barack Obama ever been willing to be uncomfortable in defense of his values?
—Grace Curley, Boston Herald, 21 July 2025
Israel later in the week launched airstrikes against Syrian forces in defense of the Druze.
—Ghaith Alsayed, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
The moment did have a silver lining as Arenales spoke up in defense of Espinoal, informing the guys that her affectionate ways were also a part of their culture, and sparking a romantic connection between Arenales and Espinoal.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for in defense of (something or someone)
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Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2025
But has Barack Obama ever been willing to be uncomfortable in defense of his values?
—Grace Curley, Boston Herald, 21 July 2025
Israel later in the week launched airstrikes against Syrian forces in defense of the Druze.
—Ghaith Alsayed, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
The moment did have a silver lining as Arenales spoke up in defense of Espinoal, informing the guys that her affectionate ways were also a part of their culture, and sparking a romantic connection between Arenales and Espinoal.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 15 July 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 12 Aug. 2025.
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