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

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

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

But before he reported to his new job as a prison guard, he went to the Abwehr headquarters, and offered his services in any capacity in the United States.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple