last-ditch defense

noun phrase

UK /ˌlɑːst dɪtʃ dɪˈfens/

US /ˌlæst dɪtʃ dɪˈfens/

A last-ditch defense is a final try to stop something bad when all other tries have failed.

The castle's last-ditch defense held the enemy back until help arrived.

SYNONYMS

final stand last resort desperate defense last line of defense do-or-die effort

RELATED WORDS

last-ditch defense stand resistance fallback

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A desperate military effort made when defeat seems certain.

The soldiers mounted a last-ditch defense of the bridge.

3. Any final attempt to save a situation from failure.

The company's last-ditch defense against bankruptcy was a risky new product.

4. In sports, a final effort to prevent the other team from scoring.

Their last-ditch defense stopped the goal in the final seconds.