defense in depth

1
: a tactical system of mutually supporting positions that are each capable of all-round defense and that have sufficient depth to prevent the enemy from achieving freedom of maneuver before the enemy's attack is broken up and absorbed
2
: a strategic succession of defended areas which will permit continuation of a war after forward areas have been lost

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near defense in depth

Cite this Entry

“Defense in depth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defense%20in%20depth. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!