Defensive: meaning, definitions and examples

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defensive

 

[ dɪˈfɛnsɪv ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

sports

used or intended to defend or protect

Synonyms

guarding, protective, shielding

Examples of usage

  • defensive plays in football
  • taking a defensive stance
Context #2 | Adjective

emotions

very anxious to challenge or avoid criticism

Synonyms

guarded, sensitive, touchy

Examples of usage

  • she is defensive about her work
  • he becomes defensive when questioned about his motives
Context #3 | Noun

military

a position of defense

Synonyms

bastion, fortification, stronghold

Examples of usage

  • the troops were ordered to fall back to a defensive position

Translations

Translations of the word "defensive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 defensivo

🇮🇳 रक्षात्मक (rakshatmak)

🇩🇪 defensiv

🇮🇩 defensif

🇺🇦 захисний

🇵🇱 defensywny

🇯🇵 防御的な (bōgyotekina)

🇫🇷 défensif

🇪🇸 defensivo

🇹🇷 savunmacı

🇰🇷 방어적인 (bang-eojeogin)

🇸🇦 دفاعي (difāʿī)

🇨🇿 defenzivní

🇸🇰 obranný

🇨🇳 防御的 (fángyù de)

🇸🇮 defenziven

🇮🇸 vörn

🇰🇿 қорғаныс

🇬🇪 დაცვისუნარიანი (datsvisunariani)

🇦🇿 müdafiə

🇲🇽 defensivo

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,192 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.