defensa
“defensa” means “defense” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
defense, protection
Also: advocacy, bumper
📝 In Action
La defensa de sus ideales fue muy emotiva.
B1The defense of her ideals was very moving.
El gobierno asegura la defensa del territorio nacional.
A2The government ensures the defense of national territory.
Necesitamos crear una defensa fuerte contra el virus.
A2We need to create a strong defense against the virus.
the defense, defense counsel
Also: plea
📝 In Action
La defensa argumentó que no había pruebas suficientes.
B1The defense argued that there was insufficient evidence.
El juez escuchó los alegatos de la fiscalía y la defensa.
B2The judge listened to the arguments of the prosecution and the defense.
defense, defender
Also: back line
📝 In Action
Nuestra defensa jugó muy bien y no encajamos goles.
A2Our defense played very well and we didn't concede any goals.
El entrenador decidió reforzar la defensa.
A2The coach decided to reinforce the defense.
El defensa central recibió una tarjeta amarilla.
B1The center back (defender) received a yellow card.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "defensa" in Spanish:
advocacy→back line→bumper→defender→defense→defense counsel→plea→protection→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: defensa
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'defensa' is used in the phrase: 'El coche chocó y perdió la defensa'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *defensa*, which itself is derived from the verb *defendere* meaning 'to ward off, repel, or protect'.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish period (around the 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'defensa' always feminine?
Yes, 'defensa' is grammatically a feminine noun (it always takes 'la'). However, when you talk about a male player in sports, you use the masculine article 'el' with the feminine noun: 'el defensa' (the defender).
How do I say 'self-defense'?
The standard phrase is 'en defensa propia'.