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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.

Defense Minister Carlos Diaz gave similar reasons for his resignation and said the purchase of jets was not political but "for the security and defense of the nation."

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

“The defense market is booming. The market would demand more,” Martel said in an interview.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

The report served to assuage investor concerns following a selloff on Tuesday triggered by a flood of earnings from aerospace and defense companies.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Both Boeing and Airbus largely tap the same pool of suppliers, which, in part, limits how quickly Bombardier can tap into that growing demand for defense.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

"I know what fear is," Dasch wrote in his defense.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

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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