What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defence
Example
The boxer's defence was too strong for his opponent to land any punches. [defence: noun]
Example
The defendant hired a skilled defence attorney to represent him in court. [defence: adjective]
Example
The country invested heavily in its defence system to protect against potential threats. [defence: noun]
protection
Example
Wearing sunscreen is important for the protection of your skin from harmful UV rays. [protection: noun]
Example
The company installed a security system for the protection of their valuable assets. [protection: noun]
Example
The construction worker wore a hard hat for his own protection while on the job. [protection: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Protection is more commonly used than defence in everyday language. Protection is a more general term that covers a wide range of contexts, while defence is more specific and often used in legal or military contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defence and protection?
Both defence and protection can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, defence may be more commonly associated with formal or legal language, while protection is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
