Defensive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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defensive
[dษชหfษnsษชv ]
Definitions
sports
used or intended to defend or protect
Synonyms
guarding, protective, shielding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defensive |
Used when someone is reacting to criticism or perceived threats by justifying themselves or protecting their actions, often resulting in overreaction or sensitivity.
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| protective |
Refers to actions taken to shield someone or something from harm or danger, often motivated by care or affection, without necessarily being reactive to criticism or threat.
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| guarding |
Implies actively watching over someone or something to ensure their/its safety, typically in a more physical sense.
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| shielding |
Denotes actively blocking or deflecting harm, usually with the intent of providing a barrier or cover from something harmful.
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Examples of usage
- defensive plays in football
- taking a defensive stance
emotions
very anxious to challenge or avoid criticism
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defensive |
Often used to describe someone who is quick to justify their actions or opinions because they feel criticized or attacked. This term can have a negative connotation.
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| guarded |
Describes someone who is careful and cautious about sharing personal information or emotions. This term is often neutral.
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| sensitive |
Refers to someone who is easily affected by emotions or external circumstances. This can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the situation.
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| touchy |
Implies that someone is easily offended or upset, and often reacts emotionally. This term usually has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- she is defensive about her work
- he becomes defensive when questioned about his motives
military
a position of defense
Synonyms
bastion, fortification, stronghold.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defensive |
Use in situations related to protection or defense against attack. It often describes actions, attitudes, or strategies aimed at guarding against a threat.
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| fortification |
Refers to military constructions or buildings designed for defense in warfare. It highlights physical structures meant to strengthen a place against attack.
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| stronghold |
Used to denote a place that is well-protected and difficult to take over. It can also refer to a center or a place where an activity or belief is strongly upheld.
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| bastion |
Best used to describe a place or a person strongly defending particular principles or activities. It conveys a sense of strong support or protection.
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Examples of usage
- the troops were ordered to fall back to a defensive position
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often act defensively when they fear judgment or criticism, which can be a natural response to perceived threats.
- Defensive behavior can manifest as denying mistakes or being overly critical of others to protect one's own self-image.
- In relationships, defensiveness can hinder communication, as partners may struggle to express their feelings openly.
Pop Culture
- In many movies or TV shows, characters often show defensive behavior during arguments, leading to comical or dramatic moments.
- Sports teams utilize defensive strategies to protect their goal, showcasing teamwork and strategy.
- Popular songs sometimes depict themes of defensiveness, where the lyrics explore vulnerability masked by strong outer walls.
Literature
- Characters in classic novels often display defensive traits when faced with societal pressures or familial expectations.
- Defensive language is common in poetry to convey emotional struggles and barriers the speaker has built up.
- In Shakespearean plays, characters often become defensive in dialogues that revolve around honor and reputation.
Education
- Teaching methods can sometimes make students feel defensive about their answers if they fear being wrong.
- Classroom discussions often require creating a safe environment to minimize defensive reactions among students.
- Defensive strategies are addressed in conflict resolution training, teaching individuals to manage their reactions more effectively.
Origin of 'defensive'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'defensivus,' meaning 'to defend'.
- It first appeared in English in the mid-16th century, focusing on the action of defending.
- Related words include 'defense' and 'defendant', both revolving around the concept of protection.
The word 'defensive' originated from the Latin word 'defensus', which means 'to ward off, protect'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe actions or attitudes aimed at protection or defense.
See also: defence, defend, defendant, defendants, defended, defender, defenders, defending, defendingly, defense.