Defense Vs. Defence: Which One to Use?

Is it ”defense” or “defence”?

They are among the huge list of commonly confusing words!

In this article, we’re going to clear up the confusion and help you understand when to use each of these words.

So, buckle up, and let’s get started!

Defense

The word “defense” is commonly used in American English to refer to the act of defending or the measures taken to protect against attack or harm. It can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective. Here are a few examples:

Examples

Noun

• The country has a strong defense system.

Verb

• The team will need to defend their championship title.

Adjective

• The defense lawyer made a strong argument in court.

In American English, you should use “defense” instead of “defence” in all situations.

Defence

On the other hand, the word “defence” is commonly used in British English to refer to the act of defending or the measures taken to protect against attack or harm. Just like “defense,” it can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective. Here are a few examples:

Examples

Noun

• The country has a strong defence system.

Verb

• The team will need to defend their championship title.

Adjective

• The defence lawyer made a strong argument in court.

In British English, you should use “defence” instead of “defense” in all situations.

Defense vs Defence

So, what are the key differences between “defense” and “defence”?

Essentially, it all comes down to the spelling.

“Defense” is used in American English, while “defence” is used in British English. But beyond the spelling, the meanings and uses of the words are identical.