Defensive: meaning, definitions and examples
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defensive
[dɪˈfɛnsɪv ]
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.
|
| shielding |
Denotes actively blocking or deflecting harm, usually with the intent of providing a barrier or cover from something harmful.
|
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
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