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Common collocations with defence in British Collocation

defence noun

UK /dɪˈfens/

consisting of structures

coast
coastal
flood
makeshift
natural
sea

We need to improve our flood and coastal defences.

consisting of weapons

air
anti-aircraft
ballistic
missile

Would the government allow the US to use UK bases for missile defence?

strong

effective
strong

Our national security depended on effective missile defences.

weak

inadequate
poor
weak

With poor sea defences, some parts of the region are vulnerable to coastal erosion.

come to someone’s defence

come to
rush to

The members of NATO committed themselves to come to each other’s defence in the event of an attack against any one of them.

be a defence

act as
be
provide

Fortified walls and watchtowers provide defences against attack.

build a defence

build
construct
erect

If defences are built in one place, they may increase flood risks elsewhere.

Should the US abandon its plans to build a missile defence?

improve a defence

bolster
improve
reinforce
strengthen

We propose to strengthen our defences against unfair trade practices.

weaken a defence

weaken

The Abbey was bombed in 1944, in an effort to weaken the German defences.

break through a defence

breach
break through
penetrate
pierce

Hackers are managing to breach the defences of large companies’ computer systems.

spending

budget
costs
cuts
expenditure
spending

Overall, defence spending in the EU is still falling.

policies or plans

pact
policy
programme
scheme
strategy

Defence policy requires the provision of forces with a high degree of military effectiveness.

abilities

capability

He believes European nations need to increase their defence capabilities.

companies

company
contractor
industry
sector

The defence industry is becoming more global.