noun

defenses

defences, protection, arguments in justification

The city's defenses were strong.

The city's defences were strong.

The body has natural defenses against disease.

The body has natural defences against disease.

The lawyer prepared the client's defenses.

The lawyer prepared the client's defences.

((defences)) against (sth.) The body has defences against viruses.

Synonyms: protection, security, barriers; Antonyms: attacks, offences

From Latin 'defendere' meaning 'to ward off'. It breaks down into 'de-' (off) + '-fendere' (to strike).

Think of a fence ('-fense') that keeps things away ('de-').

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