防衛|ぼうえいbouei[0]heiban (flat)

JLPT N1approx.Common
Definitions
  1. noun, suru verb, transitive verbdefense; defence; protection
    The outlook for the defense program is dismal.
Conjugation
Dictionary form防衛する(ぼうえいする)
Polite (masu)防衛します(ぼうえいします)
Negative (nai)防衛しない(ぼうえいしない)
polite (masen)防衛しません(ぼうえいしません)
classical zu / nu防衛せず・防衛せぬ(ぼうえいせず・ぼうえいせぬ)
Past (ta)防衛した(ぼうえいした)
polite (mashita)防衛しました(ぼうえいしました)
Past negative (nakatta)防衛しなかった(ぼうえいしなかった)
polite (masen deshita)防衛しませんでした(ぼうえいしませんでした)
Te form防衛して(ぼうえいして)
Potential防衛できる(ぼうえいできる)
Passive防衛される(ぼうえいされる)
Causative防衛させる(ぼうえいさせる)
Causative passive防衛させられる(ぼうえいさせられる)
Conditional (ba)防衛すれば(ぼうえいすれば)
tara防衛したら(ぼうえいしたら)
Volitional防衛しよう(ぼうえいしよう)
polite (mashou)防衛しましょう(ぼうえいしましょう)
Imperative防衛しろ(ぼうえいしろ)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym防御ぼうぎょNeutralResisting an attack, often at the tactical level; 「防衛」 is defending the nation, oneself, or a title.
  • Synonym守備しゅびNeutralDefense in a game, such as fielding in baseball; also military guard duty. 「防衛」 covers a wider range.
  • Synonym防護ぼうごNeutralPhysical protection, as in 「防護服」; 「防衛」 leans toward military use and defending titles.
  • SynonymガードNeutralA loanword for guarding, security work or sports defense, and elevated rail tracks; 「防衛」 is more formal.
  • SynonymディフェンスNeutralA loanword for defense in sports; 「防衛」 is more formal and also covers defending a title.
  • Synonym守りまもりNeutralA noun for protection or defense; 「防衛」 is more formal.
  • Synonym守るまもるNeutralThe everyday verb for protecting or guarding; 「防衛」 is the more formal choice.
  • Synonym防ぐふせぐNeutralA verb for preventing or warding something off; 「防衛(する)」 is more formal, mainly for defending the nation or oneself.
  • SynonymプロテクションNeutralA loanword for protection, mostly in technical contexts; 「防衛」 centers on fending off attack.
  • Related守護しゅごWrittenA written word for protection, with divine or historical overtones; 「防衛」 is modern and military.
  • Related警備けいびNeutralSecurity work and patrols, as by a 「警備員」; 「防衛」 is about fending off attack.
  • Related保護ほごNeutralProtecting the weak, nature, and the like; 「防衛」 centers on fending off attack.
  • Related警戒けいかいNeutralVigilance and staying on guard, as in a 「警戒警報」; 「防衛」 is defense actually carried out.
  • Related固めかためNeutralA noun for making something firm or for guarding and escorting; 「防衛」 is more formal and mostly about resisting attack.
  • Related警護けいごNeutralGuarding VIPs and important people; 「防衛」 is about fending off attack.
  • Related護衛ごえいNeutralEscorting or convoying a person or shipment; 「防衛」 is about resisting attack.
  • Related備えそなえNeutralPreparation or readiness made in advance; 「防衛」 stresses the act of resisting.
  • Related用心ようじんNeutralBeing careful and wary, as in 「火の用心」; 「防衛」 is about fending off attack.
  • Related見守るみまもるNeutralA verb for watching over and looking after someone; 「防衛」 is about fending off attack.
  • Related擁護ようごWrittenA written word for upholding or defending a claim or position; 「防衛」 is about fending off attack.
  • Related防備ぼうびWrittenA written word for defensive preparations, as in 「防備を固める」; 「防衛」 stresses the act of resisting.
  • Antonym攻撃こうげきNeutralAn attack; the direct opposite of the defensive 「防衛」.

Use 「防衛」 for defending the nation, oneself, or a title, as in 「防衛省」「正当防衛」「タイトル防衛」. For tactical defense against an attack pick 「防御」; for defense in a match, 「守備」 or 「ディフェンス」; for security work, 「警備」; for guarding VIPs, 「警護」. For physical protection use 「防護」 or 「保護」, for everyday protecting the verb 「守る」, and for the opposite action 「攻撃」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 防ぎ守ふせぎまもること。
  2. 外国がいこくの侵略しんりゃくから国くにを守まもること。
  3. 競技きょうぎなどで相手あいてを退しりぞけ最さい有力ゆうりょく者ものとしての称号しょうごうなどを維持いじすること。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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