English Reference

Word

IDF

Phoneticsidf

Definition

n. Stands for Israel Defense Forces. The military forces of Israel, responsible for the country's defense on land, at sea, and in the air.

n. Abbreviation for Israel Defense Forces. The national military of the State of Israel, comprising ground forces, an air force, and a navy. Typically takes a singular verb.

Examples

“The IDF monitors the border closely.”

“After completing high school, many young Israelis are required to serve in the IDF for several years.”

“The organizational structure of the IDF is unique among modern militaries due to its heavy reliance on a large reserve force that can be mobilized within forty-eight hours.”

Examples

simple

“The IDF monitors the border closely.”

contextual

“After completing high school, many young Israelis are required to serve in the IDF for several years.”

complex

“The organizational structure of the IDF is unique among modern militaries due to its heavy reliance on a large reserve force that can be mobilized within forty-eight hours.”

Usage

Usually functions as a collective noun; takes a singular verb in American English and often a plural verb in British English.

Real-World Examples

“The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) repeatedly denied its troops had been present in the area near the incident, but investigations by media and others found evidence that strongly suggested nearby Israeli tanks were responsible.”
The Guardian · 19 Aug 2026
“The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had "dismantled two illegal outposts".”
BBC News · 13 Aug 2026
“It demanded an independent investigation as "the IDF cannot credibly investigate its own conduct".”
BBC News · 20 Aug 2026
“The IDF initially stated that none of its troops were in the area at the time of Hind's killing.”
BBC News · 19 Aug 2026

Domains

MilitaryStatistics

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/idf

English Reference