Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » defensive

defensive

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of defensive is something designed to protect or secure, or being quick to defend against criticism or anticipating criticism or complaint.

(adjective)

When a country builds up its army in preparation for an attack to secure its borders, this is an example of when it takes a defensive position.
When you are over-sensitive about your mother-in-law's criticisms of your housekeeping skills and you are constantly ready to say "I clean fine!" this is an example of a time when you are defensive.

See defensive in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

defending
of or for defense
designating or of the side that defends a goal, basket, etc. in a contest
Psychol. constantly feeling under attack and hence quick to justify one's actions

Origin: ME & OFr defensif < ML defensivus < L defensus: see defense

noun

Obsolete something that defends
a position of defense: chiefly in the phrase , in a condition of resisting or being ready to resist attack or danger

Related Forms:

defensively adverb
defensiveness noun

See defensive in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Intended or appropriate for defending; protective.
a. Intended to withstand or deter aggression or attack: a defensive weapons system; defensive behavior.
b. Of or relating to the effort to prevent an opponent from gaining points in a game or athletic contest.
c. Performed so as to avoid risk, danger, or legal liability: defensive driving; defensive medicine,
Of or relating to defense.
Psychology Constantly protecting oneself from criticism, exposure of one's shortcomings, or other real or perceived threats to the ego.

noun