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defense

defense

∞ 1.4
Protection from attack, danger, harm, or illness
  • noun
  • /dɪˈfɛns/
  • US
: defensa
  • She works in cybersecurity, focusing on the defense of sensitive data from hackers.
  • self-defense
  • line of defense
  • defense system

They're the antibodies that provide our defence when we get ill.

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Examples

  • One, what can we do to support Ukraine in defense against aggression?

  • Your frontline of defense right here is your neutrophils.

  • I know we need to cut the defense budget, but not here.

  • "To die with honor in defense of duty is a proud way to die."

    Fiction book (1992)
  • But his captain was quick to jump to his defense.

  • We spend $250 billion a year on defense.

  • Any place within it was a stronghold in the defense of the place as a whole.

    Academic text (2008)
  • School librarians are the front lines of defense for keeping materials in our libraries.

    Academic text (2015)
  • NATO allies are sending Ukraine anti tank weapons, air defence, missiles and ammunition.

  • The defense is crucial for protecting our country against external threats.

Synonyms

security
vsdefense
∞ 2.5

Things or people that keep homes and buildings safe from crime and danger

is the wider concept of protecting from any attack or harm
protection
vsdefense
∞ 1.0

Keeping people or things safe from harm

focuses more on means and organized systems rather than the state
guard
vsdefense
204 1.0

A thing that keeps you safe from danger

includes such items but also other systems and actions
safeguard
vsdefense
60 4.0

A way to protect someone or something from harm

is broader, including systems and acts beyond single precautions
defense system
vsdefense
  • Specialized
53 3.9

Weapons and other equipment used to protect a country or area from attack

covers broader acts and other means, not only weapons
defense force
vsdefense
  • US
29 3.8

A group of soldiers and other people trained to protect a country from attack

is the general protecting act or system, not only a military body
line of defense
vsdefense
  • US
24 3.4

A group or system that protects people from danger and loss

is the more general idea of protecting by acts or systems
defensive measure
vsdefense
2 4.4

An action or tool that protects a country from attack

is the overall act or means of keeping something safe

Antonyms

∞ 1.4

A violent action that harms people or damages things

Compounds

233 3.5

Protecting yourself from being hurt, often by using force

202 3.4

A lawyer who speaks for someone accused of a crime in court

151 4.6

The person in the United States government who is in charge of the military and advises the President

112 3.9

A senior United States government leader in charge of the military

83 3.4

A part of the United States government that protects the country and manages the military

71 3.5

A United States government office that protects national security and manages the armed forces

55 3.2

Lawyers who represent a person accused of a crime in court

defense system
  • Specialized
53 3.9

Weapons and other equipment used to protect a country or area from attack

50 3.2

A group of lawyers who represent a person accused in a court case

29 3.8

A group of soldiers and other people trained to protect a country from attack

air defense
  • Specialized
27 4.2

Systems and weapons that protect a place from enemy aircraft or missiles

defense contractor
  • Specialized
26 5.1

A company that makes weapons, equipment, or provides services for a country's military

24 3.4

A group or system that protects people from danger and loss

17 4.6

A set of weapons and radar that find and stop enemy missiles before they hit

17 3.2

A lawyer who helps someone accused of a crime in court

13 3.7

A group that trains people to protect their community in war or disasters

defense mechanism
  • Specialized
10 5.3

A mental way a person uses without thinking to reduce strong anxious feelings

9 3.6

A government's plan to protect a country from military attacks

A part of the United States government that gives military information to help plan operations and buy weapons

The army, navy, and air force of Israel working together to protect the country

7 3.4

An official plan to protect a country using its military

7 3.3

A wall or barrier that protects against attack

defense mechanism
  • Specialized
6 4.1

A physical trait or behavior that helps animals and plants avoid harm

defense mechanism
  • Specialized
4 4.1

A system that finds and stops attacks on computer networks

A U.S. government group that builds new tools and systems for the military

1 3.9

A clear argument a lawyer gives in court to show a person is not guilty

A United States government department that protects the country's security and runs the armed forces

1 4.8

A reason for protecting a country or its people from attack

biological defense
  • Specialized
1 4.3

Actions to protect people and places from harmful bacteria, viruses and toxins

A United States agency that provides and moves supplies for the armed forces and other government groups worldwide

A part of the U.S. Department of Defense that develops and coordinates systems to stop long-range missiles

chemical defense
  • Specialized
1 4.4

Actions and equipment used to protect people and deal with attacks or accidents involving dangerous chemicals

active air defense
  • Specialized
1 6.1

A way of protecting an area from enemy planes or missiles using weapons and electronic systems to stop them

1 9.9

A legal argument that someone was only following orders and not responsible for war crimes

A part of the U.S. military that runs and protects computer and communication systems for top leaders

defense laboratory
  • Specialized
1 4.9

A place where people do research to help a country's military

Chewbacca defense
  • Literature
1 9.9

A legal argument that tries to confuse people by giving silly points not related to the case

A defense that cannot be broken or defeated

The ability to protect yourself from physical harm using simple fighting moves

An illegal armed group in Colombia formed in 1997 that fought and sold drugs

1 4.8

Actions and plans to protect people and places from attacks using harmful germs

defense reaction
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A mental process done without thinking that reduces worry about uncomfortable feelings

defense program
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A program that protects computers and networks from harmful software

anti-takeover defense
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A plan a company uses to stop another company from taking control

deliberate defense
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A set of carefully planned military actions using strong positions and clear communications before fighting the enemy

hasty defense
  • Specialized
1 6.8

A quick setup of troops and barriers to hold ground when time is short

A missile system on a ship that defends it from close incoming missiles or planes

BW defense
  • Specialized
6.1

Actions and plans to protect people from attacks using germs that cause disease

A U.S. Department of Defense center that collects and shares scientific and technical reports with government agencies and contractors

passive air defense
  • Specialized
7.5

Steps that protect people and buildings from enemy air attack without fighting back

A former illegal armed group in Colombia that used violence and sold drugs

A right-wing armed group in Colombia that deals in drugs and uses violence

How Protective

fortification
12 6.6
defense
  • US
∞ 1.4
protection
∞ 1.0
vulnerability
147 5.1

Surface Forms

defense singular
defenses plural
defences plural
defence singular

Etymology

Defense comes from de- meaning 'away' and fend meaning 'to push or strike', as in the phrase 'fend off'. So a defense is about pushing danger away, which is why it protects someone or something from attack or harm.