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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.

“The Strait of Hormuz has definitely become as important as the missiles and the nuclear program for them,” said Danny Citrinowicz, the former head of the Iran department for Israeli defense intelligence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Importantly, defense spending and the potential for rearming will be “one of the long tails of this war,” Blitz wrote in a Wednesday client note, which also warned of related inflation risks.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Journalists who cover aviation, defense and foreign policy were drawing that exact conclusion at the same time as Reddit users.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Still, if hostilities in the Middle East escalate again that won’t give defense stocks a boost.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

When the court recessed for lunch, Ellsberg walked to the defense table, fell into a chair, and sobbed.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin