Abwehr

[ ahp-vair, ahb-; German ahp-veyr ]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Abwehr¹

< German: literally, defense (noun derivative of abwehren to defend, ward off ), perhaps originally in a compound such as Spionageabwehr counterintelligence

Example Sentences

He worked in the sabotage division of the Abwehr, and he had hatched a plot against America.

From Literature

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 Literature

Furthermore, the saboteurs were part of the Abwehr, which was also separate from the Gestapo.

From Literature

In fact, the Abwehr was in competition with the Gestapo.

From Literature

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 Literature