Definition of defensive
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: serving to defend or protect
defensive fortifications
2a
: 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
also
: of or relating to a team that is not in possession of the ball or puck
a defensive lineman
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
defensive
nounDefinition of defensive (Entry 2 of 2)
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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for defensive
The first known use of defensive was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century