defence
gb/dɪfˈɛns/ us/dɪfˈɛns/
A2
Kiingereza
~ 900
Maana
maana 0
Nomino
B1
action
1
protection from attack or harm
When you keep someone or something safe from harm or attack.
Muundo wa matumizi:
in defence of [someone/something]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners sometimes confuse 'defence' with 'offense' in sports contexts; 'defence' refers to preventing the other team from scoring.
Visawe
protection (A more general term that can refer to physical or non-physical safety.)
Vinyume
attack (The opposite action, meaning to try to harm or damage someone or something.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
self-defence
|in defence of
|national defence
|defence strategy
|defence system
Mada
sports
|law
|security
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- 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.
Nomino
B2
entity
2
legal argument for innocence
What a lawyer says in court to show the accused person is not guilty.
Muundo wa matumizi:
the defence argues that [clause]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners may confuse 'defence' with 'defendant'; 'defence' is the argument, while 'defendant' is the person accused.
Visawe
justification (Focuses on explaining why an action was right or acceptable rather than proving innocence.)
Vinyume
prosecution (The side in a trial that tries to prove the accused is guilty.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
criminal defence
|defence lawyer
|mount a defence
|the right to a defence
Mada
law
|communication
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- 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.
Nomino
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.
Muundo wa matumizi:
play in defence
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners may confuse 'defence' with 'midfield' in football; 'defence' focuses on stopping attacks near goal.
Visawe
backline (Used mainly in certain sports like rugby or soccer to describe defensive players.)
Vinyume
offense (The part of a team that tries to score points or goals.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
strong defence
|play in defence
|defence line
|defence tactics
Mada
sports
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- 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.
Nomino
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.
Visawe
security (Broader term that can include non-military measures.)
Vinyume
invasion (An aggressive entry into a country by armed forces.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
national defence
|defence budget
|defence forces
Mada
military
|politics
|law
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- The country spends money on defence.
- Defence is important for safety.
- They have strong defence forces.
Sarufi
Umbo la kamusi
defence
IPA
GB/dɪfˈɛns/
US/dɪfˈɛns/
Silabi na mkazo
de - fence (silabi 2)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fence)
Maumbo ya neno
Noun
- Base: defence
- Variant Spelling: defense
- Plural: defence, defences
Familia ya neno
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
Vidokezo muhimu
- Spelling Variant: defense Noun
Semi
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.
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano
- He claimed he hit the attacker in self-defence.
- Learning self-defence can help you feel safer.