antiaircraft
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈæntiˌɛrkræft/
KK: /ˈæntiˌɛrkræft/
adjective
Definition
Relating to systems or weapons that are intended to protect against attacks from aircraft or missiles.
Example
The military deployed antiaircraft missiles to defend the city from aerial threats.
Conversation
Did you see the new antiaircraft system they installed at the base?
Yeah, I heard it’s supposed to be really effective against drones.
I wonder how long it takes to get trained on that kind of antiaircraft technology.
Probably not too long; they need everyone ready for emergencies.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
defensive
protective
military
Antonyms
offensive
vulnerable
exposed
noun
Definition
A type of weapon designed to shoot down enemy aircraft.
Example
The military deployed antiaircraft systems to protect the city from aerial attacks.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new antiaircraft system they installed at the base?
Yeah, I read that it can target multiple threats at once.
That's impressive! I wonder how effective it really is in practice.
Root Explanation
Antiaircraft is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "aircraft" (from "air" meaning the atmosphere and "craft" meaning a vehicle or vessel). The word refers to systems or weapons designed to defend against aircraft.
Memory Tip
Think of 'against' ('anti-') the 'vehicles in the air' ('aircraft') — that's what antiaircraft means.
Visually Confused Words
aircraft