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.

“It’s a five alarm emergency that’s dividing North America from Europe,” said John Foreman, a former U.K. defense attaché in Moscow and Kyiv.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Trojans ranked in the top 20 in run defense that season under Ekeler.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite being largely dominant, PSG struggled to create genuine chances, their combinations around the penalty area proving too weak and predictable for the Lisbon defense.

From Barron's

Fortunately, investors have lots of sound options for playing defense.

From Barron's

Additional air defenses will be brought to the region, U.S. officials said, including more Patriot and Thaad antimissile systems, which would be essential for fending off any Iranian counter blows.

From The Wall Street Journal

defense

Example Sentences

Related Words