defence
gb/dɪfˈɛns/ us/dɪfˈɛns/
A2
Inglese
~ 900
Accezioni
0 accezioni
Sostantivo
B1
action
1
protection from attack or harm
When you keep someone or something safe from harm or attack.
Schema d'uso:
in defence of [someone/something]
Errore comune:
Learners sometimes confuse 'defence' with 'offense' in sports contexts; 'defence' refers to preventing the other team from scoring.
Sinonimi
protection (A more general term that can refer to physical or non-physical safety.)
Contrari
attack (The opposite action, meaning to try to harm or damage someone or something.)
Collocazioni
self-defence
|in defence of
|national defence
|defence strategy
|defence system
Temi
sports
|law
|security
|core_vocabulary
Esempi
- The castle's walls were built for defence against invaders.
- She spoke in defence of her friend.
- The country is increasing its defence budget to improve security.
- Good communication is your best defence against misunderstandings.
Esempi per chi studia
- The dog is here for defence.
- He ran to his brother's defence.
- The army is for the defence of the country.
- I spoke in defence of my classmate.
Sostantivo
B2
entity
2
legal argument for innocence
What a lawyer says in court to show the accused person is not guilty.
Schema d'uso:
the defence argues that [clause]
Errore comune:
Learners may confuse 'defence' with 'defendant'; 'defence' is the argument, while 'defendant' is the person accused.
Sinonimi
justification (Focuses on explaining why an action was right or acceptable rather than proving innocence.)
Contrari
prosecution (The side in a trial that tries to prove the accused is guilty.)
Collocazioni
criminal defence
|defence lawyer
|mount a defence
|the right to a defence
Temi
law
|communication
Esempi
- The defence called several witnesses to support their case.
- Her lawyer prepared a strong defence against the charges.
- The judge listened carefully to the defence's arguments.
- In his defence, he claimed he was at home during the incident.
Esempi per chi studia
- The defence said he did not do it.
- Her defence was that she was at work.
- The defence had three people speak for him.
- The lawyer made a good defence in court.
Sostantivo
A2
entity
3
sports team preventing scoring
The part of a sports team that tries to stop the other team from getting points or goals.
Schema d'uso:
play in defence
Errore comune:
Learners may confuse 'defence' with 'midfield' in football; 'defence' focuses on stopping attacks near goal.
Sinonimi
backline (Used mainly in certain sports like rugby or soccer to describe defensive players.)
Contrari
offense (The part of a team that tries to score points or goals.)
Collocazioni
strong defence
|play in defence
|defence line
|defence tactics
Temi
sports
Esempi
- Our team's defence was solid throughout the match.
- He usually plays in defence rather than attack.
- The coach praised the defence for their hard work.
- A weak defence can cost you the game.
Esempi per chi studia
- He plays in defence on his football team.
- The team's defence was strong today.
- We need a better defence to win.
- She trains with the defence players.
Sostantivo
technical
B1
entity
4
military protection of a nation
When a country uses its army, navy, or air force to stop enemies from attacking it.
Sinonimi
security (Broader term that can include non-military measures.)
Contrari
invasion (An aggressive entry into a country by armed forces.)
Collocazioni
national defence
|defence budget
|defence forces
Temi
military
|politics
|law
Esempi
- National defence spending has increased this year.
- They discussed strategies for the country's defence against possible threats.
- Defence forces were mobilized after the alert.
Esempi per chi studia
- The country spends money on defence.
- Defence is important for safety.
- They have strong defence forces.
Grammatica
Forma base
defence
IPA
GB/dɪfˈɛns/
US/dɪfˈɛns/
Sillabe e accento
de - fence (2 sillabe)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fence)
Forme flesse
Noun
- Base: defence
- Variant Spelling: defense
- Plural: defence, defences
Famiglia di parole
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
Punti chiave
- Spelling Variant: defense Noun
Espressioni
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.
Esempi
- 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.
Esempi
- 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.
Esempi
- He claimed he hit the attacker in self-defence.
- Learning self-defence can help you feel safer.