Main Entry: ¹de·fen·sive

Pronunciation: \di-ˈfen(t)-siv, ˈdē-ˌ\

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

1 : serving to defend or protect <defensive fortifications>
2 a : devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack <defensive behavior> b : of or relating to the attempt to keep an opponent from scoring in a game or contest <a player with good defensive skills>
3 a : valuable in defensive play <a defensive card in bridge> b : designed to keep an opponent from being the highest bidder <a defensive bid>

— de·fen·sive·ly adverb

— de·fen·sive·ness noun