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Commonly Confused Words
Defence/Defense
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Defence vs. Defense
Defence
/dɪˈfens/
Learn more about synonyms and antonyms
The act of protecting or resisting an attack or danger
Examples:
He has the choice of various
defences
.
'Well now,' President Muffley said, 'civil
defence
...'
Now Sir Ernest spoke in John's
defence
.
Synonyms:
protection
security
safeguard
shield
guard
Antonyms:
attack
offense
Learn more about synonyms and antonyms
Defense
/dɪˈfens/
Protection or resistance against attack or harm
Examples:
Synonyms:
protection
safeguard
shield
fortification
security
Antonyms:
attack
offense
Ways to tell them apart:
Defence
is the preferred spelling in British English, while
defense
is used in American English.
Both words have the same pronunciation and meaning, related to protecting or defending against something.
Remember,
defenCe
with a
C
for
Centre
(British spelling).
DefenSe
with an
S
for
Stars and Stripes
(American spelling).
Think of
defenSe
like
offenSe
, both spelt with
S
in American English.
When to use defence:
When to use defense:
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