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.

Japanese finance officials have stepped up verbal defense of the yen in recent days.

From The Wall Street Journal

In late summer, U.S. and Taiwanese defense officials met in Alaska to discuss what weapons Taiwan needed for its nightmare scenario: a Chinese invasion.

From The Wall Street Journal

Adding leadership to her basketball IQ, court vision, defense, quickness, shooting, passing and dribbling has made Smith a complete player, one who is poised for a senior season worth talking about.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet circumventing a route like the Strait of Hormuz requires sweeping defenses and new pipelines that would take years to build.

From The Wall Street Journal

On defense, he had five steals against Miami and four more against the Magic.

From Los Angeles Times

defense

Example Sentences

Related Words