Abwehr
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of Abwehr
< German: literally, defense (noun derivative of abwehren to defend, ward off ), perhaps originally in a compound such as Spionageabwehr counterintelligence
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The author describes how in June 1940 the Nazis requisitioned the hotel to be the home of the Abwehr, the more civilized part of the intelligence services, at least compared with the Gestapo.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
The German military intelligence, the Abwehr, fell for it hook, line and sinker, and a copy of Martin's letters for the plans of a Greek invasion landed on Adolf Hitler's desk.
From BBC ● Apr. 14, 2022
Soon afterwards Owens was recruited by the Abwehr, which paid much better.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 4, 2013
How much do we know for certain about what the Abwehr did and didn't suspect?
From New York Times ● Aug. 1, 2012
Although Abwehr Enigma was easier to break than the highest-grade Enigmas, it still had over 48 billion possible settings.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
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