Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   De·fen·sive

   /dəˈfensiv/

   

   adjective

   • 1. used or intended to defend or protect: "troops in defensive positions" Similar defendingguardingsafeguardingprotectingprotectiveshieldingscreeningwarywatchfulavertingwithstandingopposingOpposite attacking
   • ▪ (in sports) relating to or intended as defense: "a defensive player"
   • 2. very anxious to challenge or avoid criticism: "he was very defensive about that side of his life" Similar self-justifyingoversensitivethin-skinnedeasily offendedpricklyparanoidneuroticinformal:uptighttwitchyrare:umbrageousOpposite confident

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Old French défensif, -ive, from medieval Latin defensivus, from Latin defens- ‘warded off’, from the verb defendere (see defend).

   Scrabble Points: 16

   • D

     2

   • E

     1

   • F

     4

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

   • S

     1

   • I

     1

   • V

     4

   • E

     1

   Powered by Oxford Languages

   More Definitions, Word Origin & ScrabbleShow less

2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › defensiveDefensive Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › defensive

   • Cached

   The meaning of DEFENSIVE is serving to defend or protect. How to use defensive in a sentence.

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › english › defensiveDEFENSIVE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › english › defensive

   • Cached

   DEFENSIVE definition: 1. used to protect someone or something against attack: 2. too quick to protect yourself from…. Learn more.

4. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › defensiveDefensive - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › defensive

   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.

5. www.dictionary.com › browse › defensiveDEFENSIVE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › defensive

   • Cached

   Defensive definition: serving to defend; protective. See examples of DEFENSIVE used in a sentence.

6. www.collinsdictionary.com › english › defensiveDEFENSIVE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › english › defensive

   • Cached

   4 meanings: 1. intended, suitable, or done for defence, as opposed to offence 2. rejecting criticisms of oneself or covering up.... Click for more definitions.

7. www.thefreedictionary.com › defensiveDefensive - definition of defensive by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › defensive

   • Cached

   1. intended, suitable, or done for defence, as opposed to offence. 2. (Psychology) rejecting criticisms of oneself or covering up one's failings. n. 3. a position of defence.

8. dictionary.cambridge.org › defensiveDEFENSIVE | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › defensive

   • Cached

   DEFENSIVE definition: 1. quick to protect yourself from being criticized: 2. A defensive player in a sports team tries…. Learn more.