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 ( defense, -ive ); replacing Middle English defensif, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin, as above

Example Sentences

He will not only offer defensive cover, but has proved he can be an attacking weapon, albeit a very basic one, if it comes to a desperate search for a goal.

From BBC

Banks may build provisions before improving later, while consumer demand could soften, they say, and prefer more defensive names for now.

From The Wall Street Journal

Junior Zion Phelps, in his first season running track for Loyola and a defensive back and receiver in football, is the king of the 100 meters vs.

From Los Angeles Times

“Uncertainty around the magnitude and duration of oil supply disruption means outcomes for risk assets have become increasingly asymmetrical. With potential downside rising significantly, we recommend turning defensive,” say the strategists.

From MarketWatch

With the advantage now shifting to the attacker's favour, it could create a league with a blend of defensive styles as each team seeks a tactical edge.

From BBC

Related Words

• opposing