Cool MateDefence vs Security
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Defence
Top 3,000 (common)B2noun
Security
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Most common: Security
| Defence | Security | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈfens/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈfens/","/ˈdiːfens/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti//🇺🇸 //sɪˈkjʊr.ɪ.ti// |
| Meaning | Protection from harm or danger. | Protection from danger or harm. |
| Example | The team's defence was strong, preventing the opposing players from scoring any goals. | The company invests heavily in data security to protect customer information. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | adequate, effective, immune, come to, leap to, rush to, in defence of, defence against, weapons of defence, effective, strong, coastal, put up, bolster, improve, mechanism, defence against, capability, establishment, force, good, robust, solid, conduct, make, mount, attorney, counsel, lawyer, in somebody’s defence, defence of, defence to, counsel for the defence, good, robust, solid, conduct, make, mount, attorney, counsel, lawyer, in somebody’s defence, defence of, defence to, counsel for the defence, good, solid, staunch, play, put up, destroy, in defence, on defence | security measures, data security, personal security, national security, security system |
| Antonyms | attack, offense | danger, risk, insecurity |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'defense'; remember 'defence' is British English., Incorrectly using as a verb; 'defence' is a noun., Mispronouncing the ending; ensure the 'ce' sounds like 's'. | Confusing security with safety - security is more about protection against threats., Using 'security' as a verb instead of a noun., Mispronouncing the word, especially the second syllable. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Common in legal, sports, and military discussions. Avoid in casual conversations unless relevant. | Commonly used in contexts related to safety, such as cybersecurity, personal safety, or physical safety. It is appropriate in both formal and informal situations. |
Frequently asked questions: Defence vs Security
What's the difference between Defence and Security?
Defence: Protection from harm or danger. Security: Protection from danger or harm.
Which is more common: Defence and Security?
Security is the most common in everyday English.
Are Defence and Security the same CEFR level?
Defence: B2, Security: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Defence and Security interchangeably?
Not always. Defence and Security are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.