Defensive: meaning, definitions and examples

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defensive

[ dɪˈfɛnsɪv ]

^{Context #1}

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}

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}

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

Word origin

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.