defense
203
3.0
- noun
- /dɪˈfɛns/
- US
- Her defense of her husband was quite eloquent.
- arguments in defense
- offers a defense
- a spirited defense
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Watch on YouTubeThat's the best defence of of democracy.
- That's the best defence of of democracy.
- It becomes the defence of self destruction.
- That's one defence of our our privacy.
- That's right, the greatest defense was that he wouldn't conform.
- Now, in NBC's defense, we're a very new company.
- And so Seneca's providing a kind of limited defense of them here in this work.
Examples
-
His opposition to the philosophers consists of a defense of the Jewish faith.
Academic text (1999) -
And she looks at the pictures and says, no, the defense is wrong.
-
Let me say this though, to their defense, I kind of think I get it.
-
Our reputation grew out of defense of each other.
-
Does the defense wish to enter a plea?
-
Munro is expecting him to be the good soldier in defense of British military interests.
Fiction book (1992) -
So that was a very humble and cautious defense of Sweden's approach.
-
What the defense is trying to do... ...is introduce some sensational material... ...for the purposes of obscuring the real issues.
-
The lawyer presented a compelling defense that highlighted his client's innocence.
-
In her passionate defense of the movie, she pointed out its unique storytelling.
Synonyms
3
9.9
A formal written explanation that defends someone's actions or beliefs after criticism
1
8.6
A written text defending a belief or action
Antonyms
Compounds
- Formal
151
4.6
The person in the United States government who is in charge of the military and advises the President
83
3.4
A part of the United States government that protects the country and manages the military
- Formal
71
3.5
A United States government office that protects national security and manages the armed forces
- Specialized
53
3.9
Weapons and other equipment used to protect a country or area from attack
29
3.8
A group of soldiers and other people trained to protect a country from attack
- Specialized
27
4.2
Systems and weapons that protect a place from enemy aircraft or missiles
- Specialized
26
5.1
A company that makes weapons, equipment, or provides services for a country's military
- Specialized
17
4.6
A set of weapons and radar that find and stop enemy missiles before they hit
- Specialized
10
5.3
A mental way a person uses without thinking to reduce strong anxious feelings
8
3.9
A part of the United States government that gives military information to help plan operations and buy weapons
8
3.8
The army, navy, and air force of Israel working together to protect the country
- Specialized
6
4.1
A physical trait or behavior that helps animals and plants avoid harm
A U.S. government group that builds new tools and systems for the military
1
3.9
A United States government department that protects the country's security and runs the armed forces
- Specialized
1
4.3
Actions to protect people and places from harmful bacteria, viruses and toxins
- Formal
1
4.4
A United States agency that provides and moves supplies for the armed forces and other government groups worldwide
1
7.1
A part of the U.S. Department of Defense that develops and coordinates systems to stop long-range missiles
- Specialized
1
4.4
Actions and equipment used to protect people and deal with attacks or accidents involving dangerous chemicals
- Specialized
1
6.1
A way of protecting an area from enemy planes or missiles using weapons and electronic systems to stop them
- Formal
1
9.9
A legal argument that someone was only following orders and not responsible for war crimes
1
6.8
A part of the U.S. military that runs and protects computer and communication systems for top leaders
- Literature
1
9.9
A legal argument that tries to confuse people by giving silly points not related to the case
1
3.5
The ability to protect yourself from physical harm using simple fighting moves
1
9.9
An illegal armed group in Colombia formed in 1997 that fought and sold drugs
- Specialized
1
4.8
Actions and plans to protect people and places from attacks using harmful germs
- Specialized
1
8.1
A mental process done without thinking that reduces worry about uncomfortable feelings
- Specialized
1
3.7
A program that protects computers and networks from harmful software
- Specialized
1
6.7
A plan a company uses to stop another company from taking control
- Specialized
1
6.7
A set of carefully planned military actions using strong positions and clear communications before fighting the enemy
- Specialized
1
6.8
A quick setup of troops and barriers to hold ground when time is short
- Specialized
A missile system on a ship that defends it from close incoming missiles or planes
- Specialized
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
- Specialized
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 Convincing
25
7.4
149
4.0
- US
203
3.0
∞
2.5
919
1.0
46
2.5
Surface Forms
Etymology
Defense comes from de- meaning 'away' and fend meaning 'to push or strike'. So when someone writes a defense of an idea they are 'pushing away' criticism to protect that idea.