défense

Défense is a French noun meaning the act of defending or protecting something, or the defense of a country or idea. It can also denote prohibition in fixed phrases such as défense de fumer, meaning no smoking. The term comes from Latin defensio and is used across different domains, notably law, military affairs, sports, and everyday language.

In a military and government context, défense refers to national or territorial defense—the strategies, forces, and infrastructure designed to deter aggression and protect sovereignty. It encompasses military doctrine, defense policy, fortifications, deterrence, and, in some states, alliances and collective security arrangements. In business and urban planning, La Défense is the name of a major business district on the outskirts of Paris.

In a legal setting, la défense designates the defense side in a criminal or civil case—the arguments, lawyers, and rights of the accused or litigants. It contrasts with the prosecution and is subject to courtroom rules and procedures.

In sports, défense denotes the defensive phase or unit responsible for preventing opponents from scoring. The term covers positions such as defenders in football (soccer) and basketball, and it is used in many languages with similar meanings.

Beyond formal contexts, défense appears in everyday signage and etiquette, signaling prohibition or restricted actions. The word thus encompasses protection, legal advocacy, security policy, and prohibited conduct in diverse settings.