Defensive meaning

dĭ-fĕn'sĭv
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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Intended or appropriate for defending; protective.
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Of or relating to defense.
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Constantly protecting oneself from criticism, exposure of one's shortcomings, or other real or perceived threats to the ego.
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Intended to withstand or deter aggression or attack.

A defensive weapons system; defensive behavior.

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Of or relating to the effort to prevent an opponent from gaining points in a game or athletic contest.
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Performed so as to avoid risk, danger, or legal liability.

Defensive driving; defensive medicine.

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A means of defense.
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An attitude or position of defense.
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Defending.
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Of or for defense.
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Designating or of the side that defends a goal, basket, etc. in a contest.
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Constantly feeling under attack and hence quick to justify one's actions.
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Something that defends.
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A position of defense.
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Intended or appropriate for defending; protective.
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Constantly protecting oneself from criticism, exposure of one's shortcomings, or other real or perceived threats to the ego.
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Intended for defence; protective.

A defensive perimeter.

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Intended to deter attack.

A defensive missile system.

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Performed so as to minimise risk.

Defensive driving.

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Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism.
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(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.
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(sports) Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
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A means, attitude or position of defense.
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In a state or posture of defense.

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Origin of defensive

From Middle French défensif

Sentence Examples

  • All I know is that he gets defensive when I mention Uncle Fabrice.

  • Every time the subject of your father came up, you got defensive and I backed off because I was afraid of losing you.

  • "I did it as a defensive measure," Cynthia said.

  • He emerged from his defensive position, pausing near her.

  • Some of his innate defensive powers remained, or she would've turned him to stone or the Other would've vaporized him.

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Words near defensive in the Dictionary