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Antonyms for defense


Grammar : Noun
Spell : dih-fens or especially for 7, 9, dee-fens
Phonetic Transcription : dɪˈfɛns or especially for 7, 9, ˈdi fɛns



Definition of defense

Origin :
  • c.1300, "forbidding, prohibition," also "action of guarding or protecting," from Old French defense, from Latin defensus, past participle of defendere "ward off, protect" (see defend). But it also arrived (without the final -e) from Old French defens, from Latin defensum "thing protected or forbidden," neuter past participle of defendere.
  • Defens was assimilated into defense, but not before it inspired the alternative spelling defence, via the same tendency that produced hence (hennis), pence (penies), dunce (Duns). First used 1935 as a euphemism for "national military resources." Defense mechanism in psychology is from 1913.
  • noun armament; protection system
  • noun explanation, justification
Example sentences :
  • If Robert possessed his acknowledgment he would have no defense to make.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • Peace can be contributed to by respect for our ability in defense.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • We must acquire proficiency in defense and display stamina in purpose.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • There was no especial change in the girl's voice as she answered his defense.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • The Inspector seized on the one flaw left him for defense against her indictment.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • He realized that his conduct was too flagrant to admit of defense, so he attempted none.
  • Extract from : « In the Midst of Alarms » by Robert Barr
  • What could be said in the accused man's defense, or in her own?
  • Extract from : « Thoroughbreds » by W. A. Fraser
  • Every time Peter came into the equation her heart arose in his defense.
  • Extract from : « Her Father's Daughter » by Gene Stratton-Porter
  • The attack of the castle and the defense of it were equally fierce, bloody, and desperate.
  • Extract from : « Howard Pyle's Book of Pirates » by Howard Pyle
  • Dick was convinced that the defense of Vicksburg was drawing to a like close.
  • Extract from : « The Rock of Chickamauga » by Joseph A. Altsheler

Synonyms for defense

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019