Dictionary
1defensive
adjective de·fen·sive \di-ˈfen(t)-siv, ˈdē-ˌ\
: 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
Full 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 defensive defined for English-language learners
See defensive defined for kids
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First Known Use of DEFENSIVE
14th century
Related to DEFENSIVE
- Synonyms
- protective, self-protective
- Antonyms
- offensive
2defensive
noun
Definition 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>
See defensive defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DEFENSIVE
1601
DEFENSIVE Defined for Kids
1defensive
adjective de·fen·sive \di-ˈfen-siv\
Definition of DEFENSIVE for Kids
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.>
— de·fen·sive·ly adverb
2defensive
noun
Definition of DEFENSIVE for Kids
: 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>
—de·fen·sive·ly adverb
—de·fen·sive·ness noun
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