Dictionary
English - German
Defence
dɪˈfɛns
Extremely common
800 - 900
800 - 900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Verteidigung, Abwehr, Verteidigungslinie
Defence meanings in German
Verteidigung
Example:
The country's defence forces are well-trained.
Die Verteidigungskräfte des Landes sind gut ausgebildet.
He works in the Ministry of Defence.
Er arbeitet im Verteidigungsministerium.
Usage: formalContext: Military or national security context
Note: This meaning is commonly used in discussions related to armed forces and national security.
Abwehr
Example:
The immune system provides a strong defence against infections.
Das Immunsystem bietet eine starke Abwehr gegen Infektionen.
The team's defence was solid throughout the match.
Die Abwehr der Mannschaft war während des gesamten Spiels solide.
Usage: formalContext: Medical or sports context
Note: This meaning is often used in contexts referring to protection or resistance against external threats.
Verteidigungslinie
Example:
The soldiers formed a strong defence along the border.
Die Soldaten bildeten eine starke Verteidigungslinie entlang der Grenze.
The team's defence line held off the opponents' attacks.
Die Verteidigungslinie des Teams hielt die Angriffe der Gegner ab.
Usage: formalContext: Military or sports context
Note: This meaning is specific to describing a line or structure used for defence purposes.
Defence's synonyms
protection
Protection refers to the act of keeping someone or something safe from harm, damage, or danger. It can involve measures taken to defend against potential threats.
Example: The security guard provides protection for the building.
Note: Protection usually implies a proactive stance in safeguarding against potential harm, while defense can also refer to actions taken in response to an attack or threat.
security
Security relates to the state of being free from danger or threat. It encompasses measures taken to ensure safety and stability.
Example: The country invests in national security to protect its citizens.
Note: Security often has a broader scope and can encompass not only defense against external threats but also internal stability and safety measures.
guard
To guard means to protect or watch over something to prevent harm or unauthorized access. It involves being vigilant and taking action to defend against potential threats.
Example: The soldiers stood guard at the entrance to the palace.
Note: Guarding is a more active and hands-on form of defense, often involving physical presence and direct intervention to protect against threats.
shield
A shield is a piece of armor or protective device used to defend against attacks or projectiles. It acts as a barrier between the person or object and potential harm.
Example: The shield protected the warrior from incoming arrows.
Note: Shield specifically refers to a physical object used for defense, whereas defense can encompass a wider range of actions and strategies beyond physical barriers.
Defence expressions, common phrases
on the defensive
To be on the defensive means to be in a position of protecting oneself or one's interests, often in response to criticism or attack.
Example: After the scandal broke out, the company was on the defensive, trying to protect its reputation.
Note: The original word 'defence' refers to the action of defending, while 'on the defensive' describes a defensive stance or attitude.
defend oneself
To defend oneself means to protect oneself from harm or danger, especially by giving reasons or arguments in response to accusations.
Example: She had to defend herself against false accusations in court.
Note: While 'defence' is the action of defending, 'defend oneself' specifically refers to protecting oneself.
line of defense
A line of defense refers to a series of measures or strategies to protect against an attack or threat.
Example: The firewall is the first line of defense against cyber attacks.
Note: In this idiom, 'line of defense' emphasizes the concept of multiple layers of protection rather than just the act of defending.
self-defense
Self-defense refers to the practice of protecting oneself from physical harm or danger.
Example: She took self-defense classes to feel more confident when walking alone at night.
Note: While 'defence' is a broader term, 'self-defense' specifically focuses on protecting oneself physically.
defend your honor
To defend your honor means to protect your reputation or integrity from being tarnished.
Example: He was willing to defend his honor by challenging the person spreading false rumors about him.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the protection of one's reputation, which goes beyond the general concept of 'defence.'
defensive mechanism
A defensive mechanism refers to a psychological strategy or behavior that a person employs to protect themselves from emotional harm or stress.
Example: His sarcasm is a defensive mechanism he uses when he feels threatened.
Note: While 'defence' can refer to physical protection, 'defensive mechanism' specifically relates to psychological protection.
in defense of
To be in defense of someone or something means to support or protect them from criticism or attack.
Example: She spoke up in defense of her colleague who was unfairly criticized during the meeting.
Note: This phrase focuses on providing support or protection, showing a proactive stance in contrast to the reactive nature of 'defence.'
Defence everyday (slang) expressions
play defense
To play defense means to defend or protect something, often used in sports contexts.
Example: She always plays tough defense in basketball, making it hard for the opponents to score.
Note: While
defense mechanism
A defense mechanism is a psychological strategy that individuals use to cope with difficult situations or protect themselves from feeling anxious.
Example: His tendency to make jokes when feeling uncomfortable is just a defense mechanism.
Note: While this has a psychological connotation and is used in the context of mental/emotional coping strategies.
defensive
When someone is defensive, they are overly concerned with defending themselves from perceived criticism or questioning. It can also refer to showing a defensive posture or attitude.
Example: She got defensive when he asked her about her whereabouts last night.
Note: This term is used to describe a person's behavior or attitude, rather than a specific action of protecting something.
defend
To defend means to protect someone or something from harm or attack, whether verbally or physically.
Example: I will always defend my friends, no matter what.
Note: This is a more general term for protecting someone or something, not necessarily in a formal context like 'defense'.
defender
A defender is a player in sports, especially in team sports like soccer or American football, who is responsible for protecting their team from the opposing team's attacks.
Example: The defender blocked the opponent's shot, saving the team from conceding a goal.
Note: This term specifically refers to a player in a sports context whose main role is defensive.
Defence - Examples
Defence is the best offense.
Die Verteidigung ist die beste Offensive.
The country invested heavily in defence.
Das Land hat stark in die Verteidigung investiert.
The lawyer provided a strong defence for his client.
Der Anwalt bot eine starke Verteidigung für seinen Mandanten.
Defence grammar
Defence - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: defence
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): defences, defence
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): defence
Syllables, Separation and Stress
defence Contains 2 syllables: de • fence
Phonetic transcription:
de fence , (The red syllable is stressed)
Defence - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
defence: 800 - 900 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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