What's the Difference Between 'Defence' and 'Defense'?

In this blog post we look at when to use defence and when to use defense.

'Defence' or 'Defense'?

There is no difference in meaning between the words "defence" and "defense."

Both "defence" and "defense" are acceptable spellings of the same word, which refers to the act of protecting or guarding against attack or harm.

The only difference between the two words is the spelling.  "Defence" is the spelling used primarily in British English, while "defense" is the spelling used primarily in American English.

Both spellings are used in other parts of the world, depending on the local language and spelling conventions.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between "defence" and "defense":

  1. British English: The castle's thick walls and moat were an effective defence against invaders.

  2. American English: The castle's thick walls and moat were an effective defense against invaders.

  3. British English: The football team's goalkeeper played an important role in their defence of the goal.

  4. American English: The soccer team's goalkeeper played an important role in their defense of the goal.

  5. British English: The company hired a team of lawyers to handle its defence in the legal case.

  6. American English: The company hired a team of lawyers to handle its defense in the legal case.

Examples of Defence in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the word "defence":

  1. The defence lawyer argued that his client was innocent.

  2. The castle's thick walls and moat were an effective defence against invaders.

  3. The team's goalkeeper played an important role in their defence of the goal.

  4. The company hired a team of lawyers to handle its defence in the legal case.

  5. The army is developing a new type of defence mechanism to protect against cyber attacks.

  6. The government has set up a defence fund to help protect against natural disasters.

  7. The defence minister gave a speech outlining the country's new military strategy.

  8. The defence contractor is working on a new type of missile system for the navy.

  9. The defence witness testified that he saw the defendant at the scene of the crime.

  10. The defence team is preparing for the trial, which is set to begin next week.

Examples of Defense in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the word "defense":

  1. The defense lawyer argued that his client was innocent.

  2. The castle's thick walls and moat were an effective defense against invaders.

  3. The team's goalkeeper played an important role in their defense of the goal.

  4. The company hired a team of lawyers to handle its defense in the legal case.

  5. The military is developing a new type of defense mechanism to protect against cyber attacks.

  6. The government has set up a defense fund to help protect against natural disasters.

  7. The defense secretary gave a speech outlining the country's new military strategy.

  8. The defense contractor is working on a new type of missile system for the navy.

  9. The defense witness testified that he saw the defendant at the scene of the crime.

  10. The defense team is preparing for the trial, which is set to begin next week.


Defence or Defense
Defence or Defense