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Definitions

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.

Solicitor Gen. D. John Sauer relies on that argument in his defense of Chatrie’s conviction.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

A U.S. defense official said the military was using a combination of manned and unmanned capabilities in the countermine operation, but declined to comment on operational specifics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Her former colleague Pete Hegseth, now secretary of defense, sold more than 300,000 copies of his last two books, both of which were military grievance memoirs.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

It contains protein components usually associated with defense against viruses.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

“Iowa is not ready for a nuclear attack,” announced the state’s civil defense director.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

Vocabulary lists containing defense

Set, Hut! Football Vocabulary

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Defense, Dribble, and Dunk: Basketball Lingo

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Preamble to the U.S. Constitution (1787)

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