defense

Synonyms: aegis armor arms barricade bastille bastion bulwark buttress citadel cover deterrence dike embankment fastness fence fort fortification fortress garrison guard immunity munitions palisade parapet position protection rampart redoubt resistance safeguard security shelter shield stockade stronghold trench wall ward warfare weaponry weapons

Antonyms: desertion flight surrender

Synonyms: answer apologetics apologia apologizing apology argument cleanup copout exculpation excuse excusing exoneration explaining extenuation fish story jive off-time plea rationalization rejoinder reply response retort return song and dance story vindication whitewash

Antonyms: betrayal capitulation yielding