defence
gb/dɪfˈɛns/ us/dɪfˈɛns/
A2
English
~ 900
védelem, védekezés, honvédelem
NOUN
B1
1
védelem
B1
Usage pattern:
in defence of [someone/something]
The castle's walls were built for defence against invaders.
A várfalakat a támadók elleni védelem céljából építették.
She spoke in defence of her friend.
A barátja védelmében szólalt fel.
The country is increasing its defence budget to improve security.
Good communication is your best defence against misunderstandings.
Learner examples
The dog is here for defence.
A kutya azért van itt, hogy védelmet nyújtson.
He ran to his brother's defence.
A testvére védelmére sietett.
The army is for the defence of the country.
I spoke in defence of my classmate.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'defence' with 'offense' in sports contexts; 'defence' refers to preventing the other team from scoring.
Meaning
protection from attack or harm
Collocations
self-defence
|in defence of
|national defence
|defence strategy
|defence system
Synonyms
protection (A more general term that can refer to physical or non-physical safety.)
Antonyms
attack (The opposite action, meaning to try to harm or damage someone or something.)
Themes
sports
|law
|security
|core_vocabulary
Definition
When you keep someone or something safe from harm or attack.
The action of protecting someone or something from attack, criticism, or danger.
NOUN
B2
2
Usage pattern:
the defence argues that [clause]
The defence called several witnesses to support their case.
A védelem több tanút is felvonultatott az álláspontja alátámasztására.
Her lawyer prepared a strong defence against the charges.
Ügyvédje erős védelmet dolgozott ki a vádakkal szemben.
The judge listened carefully to the defence's arguments.
In his defence, he claimed he was at home during the incident.
Learner examples
The defence said he did not do it.
A védelem azt mondta, hogy nem ő tette.
Her defence was that she was at work.
A védekezése az volt, hogy a munkahelyén volt.
The defence had three people speak for him.
The lawyer made a good defence in court.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'defence' with 'defendant'; 'defence' is the argument, while 'defendant' is the person accused.
Meaning
legal argument for innocence
Collocations
criminal defence
|defence lawyer
|mount a defence
|the right to a defence
Synonyms
justification (Focuses on explaining why an action was right or acceptable rather than proving innocence.)
Antonyms
prosecution (The side in a trial that tries to prove the accused is guilty.)
Themes
law
|communication
Definition
What a lawyer says in court to show the accused person is not guilty.
The case presented by or on behalf of the party accused in a court of law to prove they are not guilty.
NOUN
A2
3
Usage pattern:
play in defence
Our team's defence was solid throughout the match.
Csapatunk védelme az egész mérkőzés alatt stabil volt.
He usually plays in defence rather than attack.
Általában védelemben játszik, nem támadásban.
The coach praised the defence for their hard work.
A weak defence can cost you the game.
Learner examples
He plays in defence on his football team.
A focicsapatában védelemben játszik.
The team's defence was strong today.
A csapat védelme ma erős volt.
We need a better defence to win.
She trains with the defence players.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'defence' with 'midfield' in football; 'defence' focuses on stopping attacks near goal.
Meaning
sports team preventing scoring
Collocations
strong defence
|play in defence
|defence line
|defence tactics
Synonyms
backline (Used mainly in certain sports like rugby or soccer to describe defensive players.)
Antonyms
offense (The part of a team that tries to score points or goals.)
Themes
sports
Definition
The part of a sports team that tries to stop the other team from getting points or goals.
The players or actions in a sport whose role is to stop the opposing team from scoring.
NOUN
B1
TECHNICAL
4
honvédelem
B2
National defence spending has increased this year.
Idén nőttek a honvédelmi kiadások.
They discussed strategies for the country's defence against possible threats.
Az ország esetleges fenyegetésekkel szembeni védelmét szolgáló stratégiákról tárgyaltak.
Defence forces were mobilized after the alert.
Learner examples
The country spends money on defence.
Az ország pénzt költ honvédelemre.
Defence is important for safety.
A honvédelem fontos a biztonság szempontjából.
They have strong defence forces.
Meaning
military protection of a nation
Collocations
national defence
|defence budget
|defence forces
Synonyms
security (Broader term that can include non-military measures.)
Antonyms
invasion (An aggressive entry into a country by armed forces.)
Themes
military
|politics
|law
Definition
When a country uses its army, navy, or air force to stop enemies from attacking it.
Military actions and resources used to protect a country from attack.
Grammar
Dictionary form
defence
IPA
GB/dɪfˈɛns/
US/dɪfˈɛns/
Syllables & stress
de - fence (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fence)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: defence
- Variant Spelling: defense
- Plural: defence, defences
Word family
Forms
defense
noun B1
defences
noun
Related words
defensively
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
defenceless
adjective
defenseless
adjective
Advanced or less common
defensible
adjective
indefensible
adjective
Highlights
- Spelling Variant: defense Noun
Expressions
come to someone's defence
1/kˈʌm tə sˈʌmwˌʌnz dɪfˈɛns/
fixed phrase
helping protect someone from harm/criticism
To help someone by protecting them from being hurt or criticised.
Examples
- Several friends came to her defence when she was unfairly blamed.
- He came to my defence during the heated debate.
in defence of
1/ˈɪn dɪfˈɛns əv/
fixed phrase
protecting or supporting someone/something
To say or do something to protect or support someone or something from attack or criticism.
Examples
- She spoke in defence of her colleague during the meeting.
- In defence of his actions, he explained the difficult situation he was in.
self-defence
1/sˈɛlf dɪfˈɛns/
fixed phrase
protecting oneself from harm
When you protect yourself from being hurt by another person.
Examples
- He claimed he hit the attacker in self-defence.
- Learning self-defence can help you feel safer.