Difference Between Defence and Defense

While writing English sentences in our day-to-day life, many people still encounter this confusion – defence or defense, which one to use? These words even can be confusing for those whose first language is English. These two words are misused in English Sentences due to their similar meanings but the difference is due to the difference in regional spelling conventions.

In this article, we have provided explanations of various scenarios for the usage of “defence” and “defense“, supported by different examples. By the end, you will have gained a clear understanding of when to use which word, enabling you to communicate effectively in all circumstances.

What does Defence mean?

“Defence” is a noun that means protecting or safeguarding something or someone. In literature, there is a wide variety of contexts where it could be used, such as referring to the act of protecting oneself (self-defence), protection of one’s country (national defence), or even the preventive measures taken to avoid an attack or something inauspicious.

Defence has its origins in British English and is primarily used there

What does Defence mean?

“Defense” is also a noun, with the same meaning as “defence.” However, it has its origins in the American English.

Is It “Defence” or “Defense”?

Now, the question that people wonder is which is the correct spelling when it comes to defense or defence? In their defense, proper spelling actually depends on which English dialect you’re writing in.

• When writing in American English, defense is the correct spelling. The reason for this discrepancy is in American English, defense (and all other words derived from it) is always spelt with an “s.”
• In British English (and other dialects influenced by it like Australian, Canadian, etc.), defence is always spelt with a “c,” except when the suffix begins with an “i.” In that case, use an “s.”

Here's the breakdown of the above mentioned rule in British English :
When to use "c": In British English, "defence" is spelled with a "c" when it stands alone or when the suffix added does not begin with the letter "i." 
For example: National Defence, Self-Defence, Defence Mechanism, Defenceless
When to use "s": When a suffix that begins with the letter "i" is added to a word ending in "c," the "c" changes to "s" to maintain the correct pronunciation. This is done to ensure that the "c" doesn't combine with the following "i" to create a "sh" sound. 
For example: Defensive (not "defencive"), Defensiveness, Defensible

Difference between Defence and Defense

Both the words often confuse people, and one doesn’t understand when to use which one. So let’s understand what all makes defence and defense different.

Aspect	Defence	Defense
Spelling	Uses “c”	Uses “s”
Meaning	The act of protecting or safeguarding someone or something.	The act of protecting or safeguarding someone or something.
Usage	Mostly used in countries that follow British English spelling conventions.	Mostly used in the United States or countries that follow American English spelling conventions.
Suffix rule	Changes to “s” before suffixes starting with “i” (e.g., defensive, defensiveness).	“s” remains as it is before suffixes starting with “i” as well (e.g., defensive, defensiveness).
Examples	National Defence, Defence Mechanism, Defenceless	National Defense, Defense Mechanism, Defenseless
Sentence Usage	She took a course in self-defence to learn how to protect herself. The military’s primary role is the defence of the nation’s borders.	She took a course in self-defense to learn how to protect herself. The military’s primary role is the defense of the nation’s borders.

How to Remember Defence and Defense ?

Understanding the difference between defence and defense can be challenging, but here is a method to help you remember:

DISC: Defense In States, “S” in Centre

D: “Defense” is used in the United States (and other American English-speaking countries).

I: “In” is a reminder to help use remember the difference between “defense” and “defence”

S: “States” starts with an “S” and hence signifies the United States. (where “defense” is used).

C: “Centre” starts with a “C” and thereby signifies the United Kingdom (where “defence” is used).

So, using DISC acronym, one can remember to use “defense” is the American English spelling, while “defence” is used in the United Kingdom and other British English-speaking regions.

Usage of Defence and Defense in a sentence

Here are a few examples of both “defence” (British English) and “defense” (American English) used in sentences which convey that they have a similar meaning:-

Defence (British English):

1. Radhe took a course in self-defence to learn how to protect himself.
2. The military’s primary role is the defence of the nation’s borders.
3. The lawyer presented a compelling defence for the accused in court.
4. The castle’s defences proved impenetrable during the siege.

Defense (American English):

1. He learned self-defense techniques to stay safe in the city.
2. The military is responsible for the country’s national defense.
3. The attorney provided a strong defense for the defendant in the trial.
4. The missile defense system successfully intercepted the incoming projectiles.

The above sentences demonstrate how “defence” and “defense” are used in their respective regional contexts to convey similar meanings related to protection and safeguarding. Hence, they prove that the difference is of the origins and not meanings.

Conclusion

Conclusively, “defence” and “defense” are two spellings of the same noun, which means protecting something or someone from harm, danger, or attack. the only difference between them lies in their regional usage. “Defence” is the British English spelling and is used in British English-speaking countries whereas “Defense” is used in American English spelling.

Hence, both words share identical meanings and are used interchangeably in sentences, contexts, and expressions related to protection, whether on a national, personal, legal, or strategic level. Understanding the appropriate spelling to use depends on the region or language variant in which you are communicating, and it is essential to maintain consistency according to the conventions of that variant.