defense

[dih-fens, dee-fens] / dɪˈfɛns, ˈdi fɛns /

NOUN

armament; protection system

Synonyms

STRONG

aegis armor arms barricade bastille bastion bulwark buttress citadel cover deterrence dike embankment fastness fence fort fortification fortress garrison guard hard shell immunity munitions palisade parapet position protection rampart redoubt resistance safeguard security shelter shield stockade stronghold trench wall ward warfare weaponry weapons

Antonyms

STRONG

harm hurt injury

WEAK

betrayal capitulation desertion flight surrender yielding

NOUN

explanation, justification

Synonyms

STRONG

answer apologetics apologia apology argument cleanup cop-out exculpation excuse exoneration extenuation jive plea rationalization rejoinder reply response retort return story vindication whitewash

WEAK

apologizing excusing explaining fish story off-time song and dance

Antonyms

STRONG

charge indictment question request

WEAK

betrayal capitulation desertion flight surrender yielding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In January, his arraignment was postponed to Monday after his lawyer, famed defense attorney Alan Jackson, stepped down and was replaced by a public defender.

From Los Angeles Times

Norway has long relied on the U.S. for Svalbard’s defense.

From The Wall Street Journal

The population of the camp also included many ordinary civilians who ended up detained in the chaos at the end of Islamic State’s rule, according to a U.S. defense official and experts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their findings suggest that physical activity strengthens the brain's built in defense system, helping protect it from age related damage.

From Science Daily

What’s Next: Lower costs are opening more opportunities in commercial communications and defense.

From Barron's

defense

Example Sentences

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