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.

He was represented by counsel and had already received privileged communications from his defense attorneys.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Trump's remarks came ahead of a visit by the defense alliance's chief Mark Rutte scheduled for later this week.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

In a statement of his own, Perkins’ defense attorney, D. Miles Brissette, ripped the “premature and highly publicized accusations” leveled against his client.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

A federal judge in Manhattan ruled in February that when a criminal defendant used an AI chatbot to prepare for his legal defense, he waived attorney-client privilege.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

My sister holds up her hands in defense, and I slump in my seat.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

defense

Example Sentences

Related Words