Reading Theme:
Defence: Meaning, Usage & Common Mistakes Explained (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：protection (defence)
defence
/dɪˈfens/
n.
The action of protecting yourself or something from harm or attack.
protection
➕
/prəˈtekʃən/
n.
The act or means of safeguarding someone or something from harm, danger, or attack.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'defendere', meaning 'to ward off' (de- 'away' + fendere 'to strike').
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'defence' as 'defend' + 'ence' – the act of defending something.
📖 Example
The team's strong defence stopped every attempt by their opponents to score.
The team's robust defense prevented all scoring attempts by the opponents.
🔗 Collocations
defence mechanism – a psychological strategy to cope with stress or anxiety
national defence – the protection of a country from external threats
in defence of – arguing or acting to support or justify something
🔄 Synonyms
protection (n.) – the act of keeping someone or something safe from harm
guard (n.) – a person or thing that protects or watches over
security (n.) – measures taken to ensure safety and prevent danger
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
defend (v.) – to protect from harm or attack
defensive (adj.) – intended for or serving to defend
defensively (adv.) – in a manner that shows a desire to defend
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'defendere'. In modern English, it's central to legal systems for fair trials and sports for strategic protection.
Meaning 2：legal defense (defence)
defence
/dɪˈfens/
n.
The arguments and evidence presented in court to support the person accused of a crime.
legal defense
➕
/ˈliːɡəl dɪˈfens/
n.
The presentation of arguments and evidence in court to counter charges and support an accused person.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The lawyer presented a powerful defence, showing evidence that his client was elsewhere at the time.
The attorney offered a compelling defense, providing proof that his client was not present during the incident.
🔗 Collocations
defence lawyer – an attorney who represents the accused in court proceedings
defence case – the arguments and evidence presented by the defence in a trial
in one's defence – to explain or justify one's actions or position
🔄 Synonyms
defense (n.) – the case presented by or on behalf of the accused in legal proceedings
plea (n.) – a formal statement by or on behalf of a defendant in court
vindication (n.) – the action of clearing someone of blame or suspicion
🚫 Antonyms
prosecution (n.) – the party instituting legal proceedings against an accused person
accusation (n.) – a charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong
🌱 Derivatives
defendant (n.) – a person accused of a crime in a court of law
defensible (adj.) – able to be defended or justified
defence counsel (n.) – a lawyer or team representing the defence in court
Wordbook
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