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de·fense
 defense
- pronunciation:
- dih
fens
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
the act of protecting or guarding.
The government spends billions of dollars each year on national defense.- synonyms:
- protection
- antonyms:
- attack
- similar words:
- fortification, support
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| definition 2: |
something that protects or guards.
The castle's defenses included high walls and a moat.- synonyms:
- protection, safeguard, shield
- similar words:
- fortification, guard, screen, security
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| definition 3: |
an explanation or excuse for something done or believed in.
His defense was that he had picked up her wallet by mistake.- similar words:
- alibi, apology, argument, excuse
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| related words: |
objection, precaution |
| derivations: |
defenseless (adj.), defenselessly (adv.), defenselessness (n.) |
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