defensive

de·fen·sive

adjective

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

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.

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"defensive." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 22 February 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com//defensive>.

APA Style

defensive. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22nd, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com//defensive

defensive

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

Origin of defensive

Middle English and Old French defensif from Medieval Latin defensivus from Classical Latin defensus: see defense

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

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MLA Style

"defensive." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 22 February 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com//defensive>.

APA Style

defensive. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22nd, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com//defensive

defensive

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

A means of defense.
An attitude or position of defense.

Related Forms:

de·fen′sive·ly
adverb

de·fen′sive·ness
noun

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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Link to this page

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MLA Style

"defensive." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 22 February 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com//defensive>.

APA Style

defensive. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22nd, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com//defensive

Adjective

(comparative more defensive, superlative most defensive)

Intended for defence; protective.
a defensive perimeter
Intended to deter attack.
a defensive missile system
Performed so as to minimise risk.
defensive driving
Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism.
(cricket) Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs.; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.
(sports) Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
In a state or posture of defense.

Noun

(plural defensives)

A means, attitude or position of defense.

Related terms

on the defensive

Origin

From Middle French défensif

English Wiktionary. Available under CC-BY-SA license.

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Link to this page

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MLA Style

"defensive." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 22 February 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com//defensive>.

APA Style

defensive. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22nd, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com//defensive

defensive - Medical Definition

adj.

Intended or appropriate for defending; protective.
Psychology Constantly protecting oneself from criticism, exposure of one's shortcomings, or other real or perceived threats to the ego.

Related Forms: