bass sound of the foghorn echoed through the mist.
low
Mrs Quail’s voice is so low that she is sometimes mistaken for a man on the telephone.
ANTONYM: high
defeat (1) VERB
If you defeat someone or something, you win a victory over them, or cause them to fail.
beat
“I hope my team beats yours,” Pete said cheekily to Smithy.
conquer
To conquer Wales was King Edward’s lifelong wish.
overcome
The girl overcame her disability to become a great champion.
overpower
Legions of screeching auks overpowered the tiny band of travellers.
rout
The forces of evil in Narnia were routed in the last battle.
defeat (2) NOUN
A defeat is the state of being beaten or of failing.
beating
Class 3a crowed that the team from 3b had taken a beating.
conquest
The conquest of England by the Normans in 1066 was a turning point in history.
downfall
The dictator’s downfall was sudden and spectacular.
pasting INFORMAL
Mighty Hawk took a severe pasting from the new wrestler.
trouncing INFORMAL
“What a trouncing,” Mitch moaned.
ANTONYM: victory
defence NOUN
Defence is the action that is taken to protect someone or something against attack.
immunity
The nurse assured me that the vaccination would give immunity from measles.
protection
“Our paint offers ten-year protection from the rain,” the advert boasted.
resistance
“Resistance is useless. Come out with your hands up!” bawled the loudspeaker.
safeguard
Taking out insurance acts as a safeguard against misfortune.
defend (1) VERB
If you defend someone or something, you protect them from harm or danger.
fortify
The manor house was fortified by the addition of a large wall around it.
guard
Brushing your teeth helps guard against decay and keeps your breath fresh.
protect
King Edward protected the castle with no fewer than six main gates!
safeguard
The sentries safeguarded the palace.
➔ See shelter (1)
defend (2) VERB
If you defend a person or their ideas, you argue in support of them.
justify
Anita justified hitting the boy by claiming that he had hit her first.
speak up for
Amal spoke up for his friend, despite the bully’s threats.
stick up for INFORMAL
“Thank you for sticking up for me,” said Lisa gratefully.
support
Dad supported me when our neighbour complained about the noise.
definite ADJECTIVE
Something that is definite is clear and unlikely to be changed.
certain
“It is certain that I will be having a birthday party,” Molly told us.
guaranteed
My uncle secured us guaranteed seats for the big game.
positive
The contestant gave a very positive answer. Sadly, it was the wrong one.
sure
Being sulky is a sure way to lose friends.
ANTONYM: uncertain
definitely ADVERB OR INTERJECTION
Definitely can mean certainly and without doubt.
absolutely
“Are you able to play?” I asked. “Absolutely!” came Deepak’s reply.
beyond any doubt
Beyond any doubt, the German was the best racing driver in the world.
certainly
The coach admitted, “We’ve certainly got a good team this year.”
plainly
The witness was plainly going to say nothing.
unquestionably
The banquet was unquestionably the largest meal he had ever eaten.
delay (1) NOUN
If there is a delay, something does not happen until later than planned or expected.
hold-up
At the last minute, there was a hold-up in the live TV broadcast.
pause
After a pause, the mayor continued his speech.
