noun

die Abwehr, -en

defense

Es bedeutet, etwas oder jemanden vor Gefahr zu schützen oder einen Angriff zurückzuhalten.

Definition & meaning

The German noun Abwehr generally refers to the act of warding off, defending against, or preventing something. Depending on the context, it can have several specific meanings:

Defense or repulsion: The active process of resisting an attack or preventing an intrusion. This can apply to physical attacks, diseases, or abstract concepts.
Defense (Sports): In team sports like football or handball, it refers to the defensive line or the group of players responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring.
Counter-intelligence: In a political or military context, it refers to an agency or activity dedicated to preventing espionage or sabotage by an adversary.
Immunology: Refers to the body's immune system or its ability to fight off pathogens.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: It is a feminine noun (die Abwehr). It is derived from the verb abwehren .
Word origin: It is composed of the prefix ab- (away, off) and the root Wehr (defense, protection). The term Wehr itself stems from the Old High German werian, which means to protect, defend, or dam up. The construction literally implies "warding off" or "turning away" an influence.