Defense facts for kids

Defense or defence means protecting something or someone from harm. It's all about keeping things safe from danger or attack. You can find the idea of defense in many different parts of life, like in sports, in how countries protect themselves, and even in how our bodies stay healthy.

What is Defense?

Defense is the act of protecting yourself, others, or something important from danger. It's about taking actions to prevent harm or to fight back when harm is threatened. This idea is used in many different ways, from playing a game to keeping a country safe.

Defense in Sports

In sports, defense is when a team or player tries to stop the other team from scoring points. It's a very important part of almost every game.

Football Defenders

In football (also known as soccer), a defender is a player whose main job is to stop the opposing team from scoring goals. They work to block shots, tackle opponents, and clear the ball away from their own goal.

Ice Hockey Defencemen

In ice hockey, a defenceman is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring. They often play near their own goal, blocking shots and passing the puck to their teammates to start an attack.

Defense in Military and Safety

Countries have a defense system to protect their people and land. This involves soldiers, equipment, and plans to keep everyone safe.

Military Defense

Military defense is about a country using its armed forces to protect itself from attacks by other countries or groups. This can involve armies, navies, and air forces working together.

Civil Defense

Civil defense is about protecting regular people and their homes during emergencies. This includes things like natural disasters (like floods or earthquakes) or other dangers. It helps people stay safe and recover quickly.

National Security

National security means keeping a country safe from threats. These threats can come from outside the country, like attacks from other nations, or from inside, like terrorism. It's a big job that involves many government groups.

Defense Minister

A Defense minister is a government official in charge of a country's military and defense. They help make important decisions about how the country protects itself.

Defense Industry

The defense industry is made up of companies that make weapons, vehicles, and other equipment for the military. These companies help supply armies, navies, and air forces with what they need to protect a country.

Defense in Law

In law, defense is about protecting someone's rights or proving their innocence.

Legal Defense

In a court of law, a legal defense is when someone accused of a crime tries to show they are not guilty. Their lawyer will present arguments and evidence to protect them.

Self-Defense

Self-defense is the right to protect yourself or others from harm. If someone is attacking you, you have the right to use reasonable force to stop them and stay safe.

Other Meanings of Defense

The word "defense" can also be used in other ways.

Chess Defense

In the game of chess, a "defense" is a way that the Black player responds to the White player's first moves. It's a strategy to protect their pieces and set up their own attack.

Defense Mechanism

A defense mechanism is a way our minds protect us from difficult feelings or thoughts. For example, if something is too upsetting, our mind might try to block it out.