Difference between Defense & Defence

Defence vs Defense

The difference in the spellings of defense and defence sometimes confuses people and makes them think that there is some difference between the two terms. It also makes people wonder whether they have two different meanings and perhaps one has a different use from the other. However, there is no difference in the meanings, though defense or defence has a number of definitions. In sports, defense or defence means to simply not let the opponent score by defending one’s designated area of responsibility. In military parlance, defence and defense imply to protect oneself and others from harm. In architecture, it means a structure that fortifies and defends. In law, it can mean the denial of the defendant in response to the claim or charge against him or her. It can also mean the defendant and his or her legal counsel and the proceedings that they have adopted in order to defend against the claims that have been made. As such, questions do arise as to why there exists a difference in the spellings of the two words.

What is the difference between Defence and Defense?

The difference between defense and defence, however, is the fact that ‘defense’ is the American spelling that is widely used among countries which have adopted American English. ‘Defence,’ on the other hand, is the British version of the term and is being widely used throughout the United Kingdom’s former territories like Australia and Canada.

There are no major differences between defense and defence other than the way they are spelled and the countries in which they are used as such. To paraphrase George Bernard Shaw, the United States and the United Kingdom are two countries that are divided by a common language. Although the two variations of the English language are mutually intelligible, there are enough differences between them to cause misunderstanding, confusion, and embarrassment sometimes. However, defence and defense are two words that can be used interchangeably under any circumstance.

Key Takeaways

• Defense and defence both have the same connotation and can be used interchangeably under any circumstance.
• The spelling difference between defense and defence is because ‘defense’ is the American English version of the term while ‘defence’ is the British English version.
• There are no major differences between defense and defence other than the way they are spelled and the countries in which they are used as such.

Defence vs Defense

• Defense and defence both have the same connotation. There are no differences in their usage.
• The spelling difference between defense and defence is because ‘defense’ is the American English version of the term while ‘defence’ is the British English version.