Meaning & use
IDF
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Meaning
abbreviationproper
The national military of Israel, including its army, navy, and air force.
Grammar: Used as a singular proper noun: the IDF is ... Not 'IDFs'.
Patterns
- the IDF
- join the IDF
- IDF spokesperson
The IDF said its forces had withdrawn from the area overnight.
She served in the IDF for three years before studying engineering.
International media often quote IDF statements during conflicts.
Common combinations
- IDF spokesperson
- An IDF spokesperson confirmed the report.
- IDF forces
- IDF forces were deployed along the border.
- IDF service
- Military service is compulsory, and many young people complete IDF service after school.
- the IDF said
- The IDF said it was investigating the incident.
Synonyms and how they differ
- Israeli military
- A general descriptive term; IDF is the official abbreviation and sounds more specific in news reports.
- Israel Defense Forces
- The full name; use it on first mention or in formal writing, then switch to IDF.
Commonly confused: IDF or ID?
IDF vs ID
ID means identification or identity document; IDF is a military abbreviation and is pronounced as three separate letters.
Practice
Which sentence uses IDF correctly?
Choose one answer.
IDF refers to Israel's military and is used as a singular proper noun, so 'The IDF is...' is correct. Option A confuses it with a medical organization, C confuses it with an identity document, and D wrongly pluralizes it.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “IDF”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.