defensive
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1de·fen·sive
adjective \di-ˈfen(t)-siv, ˈdē-ˌ\Definition of DEFENSIVE
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
See Examples of DEFENSIVE
- The city began building a defensive wall around its borders.
- The government decided to join a defensive alliance with several other nations.
- I was surprised by his defensive reaction to my suggestion.
- There's no need to get so defensive. I was only making a suggestion.
- When we asked her about the mistakes, she became defensive.
- The coach has a strong defensive strategy.
First Known Use of DEFENSIVE
14th century
Related to DEFENSIVE
- Synonyms
- protective, self-protective
- Antonyms
- offensive
2defensive
nounDefinition of DEFENSIVE
: a defensive position
— on the defensive
: in the state or condition of being prepared or required to defend against attack or criticism <keeping his political rivals on the defensive>
Examples of DEFENSIVE
- <their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the defensive>
First Known Use of DEFENSIVE
1601
de·fen·sive
adjective \di-ˈfen(t)-siv, ˈdē-ˌ\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of DEFENSIVE
1
: serving to defend or protect (as the ego) <face-saving is a common defensive reaction—Psychology Today>
2
: devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack <defensive behavior>
—de·fen·sive·ly adverb
—de·fen·sive·ness noun
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