rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydefensiveProtection against attack
adjective / noun

defensive

dih-FEN-siv/dɪˈfensɪv/

Directed toward protection against attack.

The players form a defensive wall between the approaching ball and their goal.

In one coherent football-field scene, four players form a wall in front of their goal, bracing protectively as a football approaches. A goalkeeper crouches behind them. No inset crowd, floating heads, comic effects, speed lines, sound lines, letters, numbers, logos or symbols.
Etymology
defensLatinto ward off, protect, defend
+iveLatinserving to

The verb's central idea is warding off an attack, whether physical or verbal. Defensive describes something serving that protective purpose, including measures against danger and responses to criticism.

In context

Crucial Learning presenter0:12
People become defensive because of why they think you're saying it.
How to Give Your Boss Feedback
Stanford Graduate School of Business presenter50:36
to get all defensive and not hear what the person's asking.
Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

More examples

  • The team adopts a defensive strategy to protect its lead.
  • Her questions put him on the defensive.
  • He gets defensive when anyone questions his work.

Forms

defensive · more defensive · most defensive

defensively adverb — In a way that resists attack

defensiveness noun — Readiness to defend oneself against criticism

Similar words

protective
Protective emphasizes preventing harm, not necessarily resisting an attack.
guarded
Guarded emphasizes cautious restraint rather than actively defending oneself.