noun
1. the flat part of a tool or weapon that (usually) has a cutting edge
2. flat surface that rotates and pushes against air or water
Synonym: vane
3. the part of the skate that slides on the ice
4. a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
Synonym: swordbrandsteel
5. a broad flat body part (as of the shoulder or tongue)
6. a cut of beef from the shoulder blade
7. something long and thin resembling a blade of grass
e.g. a blade of lint on his suit
8. a dashing young man
e.g. gay young blades bragged of their amorous adventures
9. especially a leaf of grass or the broad portion of a leaf as distinct from the petiole
Synonym: leaf blade
noun
1. the act of defending someone or something against attack or injury
e.g. a good boxer needs a good defense
defense against hurricanes is an urgent problem
Synonym: defence
2. protection from harm
e.g. sanitation is the best defense against disease
Synonym: defence
3. (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
e.g. they died in the defense of Stalingrad
they were developed for the defense program
Synonym: defencedefensive measure
4. a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him
e.g. he gave evidence for the defense
Synonym: defencedenialdemurrer
5. a structure used to defend against attack
e.g. the artillery battered down the defenses
Synonym: defensive structuredefence
6. the justification for some act or belief
e.g. he offered a persuasive defense of the theory
Synonym: defencevindication
7. the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions
e.g. his refutation of the charges was short and persuasive
in defense he said the other man started it
Synonym: refutationdefence
8. an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack
e.g. he joined the defense against invasion
Synonym: defencedefense forcedefence force
9. the defendant and his legal advisors collectively
e.g. the defense called for a mistrial
Synonym: defencedefense teamdefense lawyers
10. (sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring
e.g. his teams are always good on defense
Synonym: defencedefending team
11. (psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
Synonym: defense mechanismdefense reactiondefence mechanismdefence reactiondefence
noun
1. a (usually long) dramatic speech by a single actor
2. a long utterance by one person (especially one that prevents others from participating in the conversation)
3. speech you make to yourself
Synonym: soliloquy
noun
1. exercise that increases the need for oxygen
Synonym: aerobic exercise
noun
1. the quality of being suitable
e.g. they had to prove their fitness for the position
Synonym: fittingness
2. the quality of being qualified
3. good physical condition
being in shape or in condition
Synonym: physical fitness
4. fitness to traverse the seas
Synonym: seaworthiness
noun
1. (criminal law) an act punishable by law
usually considered an evil act
e.g. a long record of crimes
Synonym: crimecriminal offensecriminal offenceoffencelaw-breaking
2. the action of attacking an enemy
Synonym: offenceoffensive
3. a lack of politeness
a failure to show regard for others
wounding the feelings or others
Synonym: discourtesyoffenceoffensive activity
4. a feeling of anger caused by being offended
e.g. he took offence at my question
Synonym: umbrageoffence
5. the team that has the ball (or puck) and is trying to score
Synonym: offence
adj
1. vigorously active
e.g. an acrobatic dance
an athletic child
athletic playing
gymnastic exercises
Synonym: acrobaticgymnastic
2. having a sturdy and well proportioned body
e.g. an athletic build
3. relating to or befitting athletics or athletes
e.g. athletic facilities
noun
1. a person who cares for persons or property
Synonym: guardianprotectorshielder
2. a fighter who holds out against attack
Synonym: withstander