defensive

adjective de·fen·sive \ di-ˈfen(t)-siv , ˈdē-ˌ \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 2018

Examples: defensive in a Sentence

Definition of defensive

1 : serving to defend or protect

defensive fortifications

2 a : devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack

defensive behavior

He became defensive when I brought up his spending habits.

b sports : of or relating to the attempt to keep an opponent from scoring in a game or contest

a player with good defensive skills

made a brilliant defensive play

3 card games

a : valuable in defensive play

a defensive card in bridge

b : designed to keep an opponent from being the highest bidder

a defensive bid

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defensively

adverb

—

defensiveness

noun

See defensive defined for English-language learners

See defensive defined for kids

Examples of defensive in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of defensive from the Web

Running back Adrian Peterson, then with the Minnesota Vikings, and defensive end Greg Hardy, then with the Carolina Panthers, spent most of that season on the list while facing charges in domestic violence cases.

— mark maske, chicagotribune.com, "LeSean McCoy investigation could leave NFL with tough disciplinary decision," 12 July 2018
Just a couple hours later came another reason why TCU is considered a Top 10 team going into the season – defensive end Ben Banogu.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "The Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year plays for TCU. Here’s who it is," 11 July 2018
Ricard’s versatility in playing fullback and defensive end is a strength.

— edward lee, baltimoresun.com, "Ravens 2018 position-by-position breakdown: running backs," 10 July 2018
Max Burhenn, a defensive end with interest from several FCS-level schools, is one of 19 seniors on the roster.

— kyle neddenriep, Indianapolis Star, "Former Ben Davis coach Mike Kirschner rejuvenated in new stop at Mt. Vernon," 3 July 2018
Perhaps linebacker/defensive end Drake Jackson (6-3, 220) will make an appearance to scare everybody.

— eric sondheimer, latimes.com, "A preview of Edison seven on seven passing tournament on Saturday," 2 July 2018
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt asked, tagging girlfriend (and Houston Dash women's soccer team captain) Kealia Ohai in the comment.

— candace braun davison, House Beautiful, "Here's Where To Buy Joanna Gaines's Chic Baby Bouncer — And See Inside Her Nursery," 1 July 2018
Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt and his family teamed up for a series of Gatorade videos promoting the importance of hydration and heat safety.

— aaron wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Texans' J.J. Watt, brothers emphasize need to hydrate," 12 July 2018
Oklahoma had no players selected on the defensive side of the ball, though.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "Here’s the complete list of All-Big 12 football selections," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'defensive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of defensive

Middle English defensif, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin dēfensīvus, from Latin dēfensus, past participle of dēfendere "to ward off, defend" + -īvus -ive

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

defensive Synonyms

defensive

noun

Definition of defensive

: a position serving to protect or defend : 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 opponent on the defensive

See defensive defined for English-language learners

Examples of defensive in a Sentence

their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the defensive

Recent Examples of defensive from the Web

The team also will have to offset the the departure defensive back Darious Williams and linebacker Tevin Crews, two productive players.

— iliana limón romero, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Revitalized UAB is No. 53 in 2018 preseason college football rankings," 5 July 2018
Hawthorne joins quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, receiver/linebacker Hunkie Cooper and wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood from the Danny White coaching era to make the Rattlers' Ring of Honor.

— richard obert, azcentral, "Anttaj Hawthorne becomes 4th Arizona Rattler to enter Ring of Honor," 8 May 2018
The defensive back from the University of Dubuque certainly had reason to be interested despite being a player from the NCAA Division III ranks.

— rick armstrong, Aurora Beacon-News, "Joseph's journey: From Dubuque to the Bears, Oswego graduate Michael Joseph never gives up," 7 May 2018
Other area products to sign as undrafted free agents: Plantation’s Chris Lammons, a defensive back out of South Carolina, went to the Atlanta Falcons.

— david furones, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Former American Heritage star, FSU corner Tarvarus McFadden going to 49ers as undrafted free agent," 29 Apr. 2018
The Seahawks drafted Shaquem Griffin in the fifth round Saturday, reuniting the Central Florida linebacker with his twin brother, Shaquill, a Seahawks defensive back selected in the third round last year.

— sam farmer, latimes.com, "NFL draft: Shaquem Griffin, the linebacker without a hand, will join twin brother in Seattle," 29 Apr. 2018
Hoping to get a jumpstart on its future recruiting efforts, Mario Cristobal and his coaching staff recently offered class of 2021 California running back/defensive back Seven McGee.

— andrew nemec, OregonLive.com, "Seven McGee, 2021 athlete, commits to Oregon Ducks over USC Trojans," 24 Apr. 2018
In addition to Barkley, Chubb and Nelson, that very likely throws Florida State safety Derwin James, Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith into the mix.

— zak keefer, Indianapolis Star, "NFL Draft 2018: Colts like 8 non-QBs, which means another trade down could easily happen," 20 Apr. 2018
One player to keep an eye on: Dee Smith, a senior defensive back who played by far his best game of the 2017 season in the TaxSlayer Bowl.

— jake lourim, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville football opens spring camp this week. Here's what you should keep an eye on.," 19 Mar. 2018

Origin and Etymology of defensive

Middle English defensif "something acting as protection," borrowed from Medieval Latin dēfensīvum, noun derivative from neuter of dēfensīvus ¹defensive

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1585

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

defensive Synonyms

Synonyms

guard;

Antonyms

offensive;

Related Words

alert, lookout, qui vive, watch;

DEFENSIVE Defined for English Language Learners

defensive

adjective

Definition of defensive for English Language Learners

: defending or protecting someone or something from attack : helping to keep a person or thing safe
: behaving in a way that shows that you feel people are criticizing you
sports : of or relating to the way that players try to stop an opponent from scoring in a game or contest

DEFENSIVE Defined for Kids

defensive

adjective de·fen·sive \ di-ˈfen-siv \

Definition of defensive for Students

1 : serving or meant to defend or protect

a defensive structure

2 : relating to the attempt to keep an opponent from scoring

a defensive play

3 : showing a dislike for criticism

She got defensive about my suggestion.

—

defensively

adverb

defensive

noun

Definition of defensive for Students

: a position or attitude that is meant to defend

The criticism put him on the defensive.

Medical Dictionary

defensive

adjective de·fen·sive \ di-ˈfen(t)-siv , ˈdē-ˌ \

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

—

defensively

adverb

—

defensiveness

noun

Law Dictionary

defensive

adjective de·fen·sive

legal Definition of defensive

1 : serving to defend or as part of a defense

a defensive pleading

2 : devoted to resisting or preventing aggressive actions

a defensive recapitalization…to escape a takeover attempt
—Barbara Franklin

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defensively

adverb

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defensive

Definition of defensive

Examples of defensive in a Sentence

Recent Examples of defensive from the Web

Origin and Etymology of defensive

defensive Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

DEFENSIVE Defined for English Language Learners

defensive

Definition of defensive for English Language Learners

DEFENSIVE Defined for Kids

defensive

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defensively

defensive

Definition of defensive for Students

Medical Dictionary

defensive

medical Definition of defensive

defensively

defensiveness

Law Dictionary

defensive

legal Definition of defensive

defensively

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