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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.

A rattlesnake’s first line of defense is camouflage, Taylor noted.

From Los Angeles Times

The defense secretary reversed the suspension of helicopter aircrew who flew by Kid Rock’s home.

From The Wall Street Journal

While big defense names have driven gains in the sector, smaller companies have also performed well.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Last year his defense needed to get better, he worked at it and has been playing an amazing third base. He definitely has a big-time arm.”

From Los Angeles Times

Moreover, Lee adds that higher defense spending on the war is adding $20 billion to $30 billion to GDP monthly, offsetting the impact of higher oil prices.

From MarketWatch

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.