defensive

American  

[dih-fen-siv] / dɪˈfɛn sɪv /

adjective

1. serving to defend; protective.

   defensive armament.

2. made or carried on for the purpose of resisting attack.

   defensive treaty;

   a defensive attitude.

3. of or relating to defense.

4. (of stocks, securities, etc.)

   1. able to provide moderately steady growth with minimal risk.

      The bank has put a large percentage of its assets in defensive rather than growth stocks.

   2. considered stable and relatively safe for investment, especially during a decline in the economy.

5. excessively concerned with guarding against the real or imagined threat of criticism, injury to one's ego, or exposure of one's shortcomings.

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noun

1. a position or attitude of defense.

   to be on the defensive about one's mistakes.

2. Obsolete. something that serves to defend.

defensive British  

/ dɪˈfɛnsɪv /

adjective

1. intended, suitable, or done for defence, as opposed to offence

2. rejecting criticisms of oneself or covering up one's failings

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noun

1. a position of defence

2. in an attitude or position of defence, as in being ready to reject criticism

defensive Idioms  

1. see on the defensive.

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Other Word Forms

• defensively adverb
• defensiveness noun
• nondefensive adjective
• nondefensively adverb
• overdefensive adjective
• overdefensively adverb
• semidefensive adjective
• semidefensively adverb
• undefensive adjective
• undefensively adverb

Etymology

Origin of defensive

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Medieval Latin dēfēnsīvus ( see defense, -ive); replacing Middle English defensif, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin, as above

Explanation

Someone on the defensive is concerned with justifying their actions or words. They have a defensive attitude as they try to protect themselves. If you know that to defend is to protect, you have an idea what defensive means. When a person is acting defensive, they're trying to protect or justify themselves. People who are insecure or guilty tend to act defensive. Also, defensive players in football try to prevent the other side from scoring, just like defensive military strategies try to protect something. When someone has a defensive attitude, or is forced to defend something, we also say they're "on the defensive."

Example Sentences

He would go on to set a Super Bowl record with three interceptions in one of the most dominant defensive performances in championship history.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

Sale's defensive frailty was exposed once again with Malins breaking through the home defensive line with ease before the ball went through the hands allowing the Caluori to dot down for his first.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Monique Boone was the varsity defensive line and assistant offensive line coach in 2021 under previous head coach Corey Thedford.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

While equities have remained supported, the strength in defensive assets points to a market far from complacent, underscoring the importance of watching intermarket signals for clues on what comes next.

From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026

By the middle of 1985, the KGB had thrown the CIA on the defensive.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

Related Words

• opposing