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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.

Net interest on the public debt hit a monthly record of $103 billion; defense spending rose 3% to $65 billion.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

He added that his position as a professor, white male, and access to a strong legal defense team made him feel it was his responsibility to fight the charges.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Mr. Lai has proposed to rev Taiwan’s defense spending to about 3.3% of the economy, with a nearly $40 billion infusion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“He’s not crazy, he only pretends to be” isn’t a viable defense in the real world.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

“Iowa is not ready for a nuclear attack,” announced the state’s civil defense director.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

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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