adjective
Common
defensive
dih-FEHN-sihv
Defensive (adjective) means Intended to protect against attack or criticism. Example: “The company took a defensive stance after the media reports.”
adjective
1
Intended to protect against attack or criticism.
"a defensive missile system"
"The company took a defensive stance after the media reports."
"The goalkeeper adopted a defensive position to protect the narrow lead."
"The town built a defensive wall around its old harbour."
2
Reacting to criticism with unusual sensitivity or resistance.
"He got defensive the moment I mentioned the missed deadline."
"Why are you being so defensive? I only asked a simple question."
"She became defensive whenever anyone suggested changes to her plan."
How to use defensive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither protective in purpose, or touchy and quick to justify oneself when challenged.
Common pairings
get defensive
defensive tactics
on the defensive
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Word forms
- Plural
- defensives
- Comparative
- more defensive
- Superlative
- most defensive
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The company took a _____ stance after the media reports.
Etymology
From Middle French défensif, formed from defense + -ive.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for defensive
See all rhymes for defensive →Frequently asked questions
What does “defensive” mean?
The word “defensive” means intended to protect against attack or criticism. In plain terms, either protective in purpose, or touchy and quick to justify oneself when challenged.
How do you pronounce “defensive”?
“Defensive” is pronounced dih-FEHN-sihv (/dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “defensive” in a sentence?
Here is “defensive” used in a sentence: “The company took a defensive stance after the media reports.”
What is the opposite of “defensive”?
The opposite of “defensive” — its antonyms — is offensive.
What part of speech is “defensive”?
“Defensive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “defensive” come from?
The word “defensive” comes from Middle French. From Middle French défensif, formed from defense + -ive.
Is “defensive” a common word?
“Defensive” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “defensive” have?
“Defensive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: intended to protect against attack or criticism.
What is the difference between defensive and defensible?
Defensive means intended to protect against attack, or reacting to criticism with unusual sensitivity: "a defensive wall," "he got defensive about his cooking." Defensible means able to be defended or justified: "a defensible decision." A person can be defensive; an argument or position is defensible.
What is the difference between defensive and protective?
Protective describes something or someone that keeps another person or thing safe, and it usually carries a caring tone: "protective clothing," "a protective parent." Defensive focuses on resisting attack or criticism, and when applied to people's behaviour it often suggests oversensitivity: "Don't get so defensive."
What is defensive driving?
Defensive driving is a style of driving aimed at avoiding accidents by anticipating hazards and other drivers' mistakes rather than merely reacting to them. The phrase uses defensive in its core sense of "intended to protect against harm."
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