Abwehr

American  

[ahp-vair, ahb-, ahp-veyr] / ˈɑp vɛər, ˈɑb-, ˈɑp veɪr /

noun

1. the German high-command service for espionage, counterintelligence, and sabotage during World War II.

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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

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

Wilhelm Canaris, chief of the Abwehr, the military intelligence unit of the high command of the German armed forces, devised a disinformation ploy.

From New York Times • Apr. 12, 2017

Soon afterwards Owens was recruited by the Abwehr, which paid much better.

From The Guardian • Jan. 4, 2013

The book alleges that in 1940, Chanel was recruited into the Abwehr - her nom de guerre borrowed from another of her lovers, the Duke of Westminster.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 17, 2011

And there was so much animosity between the Abwehr and the Gestapo that they weren't allowed to frequent many of the same places because it would result in fights.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple