defensive
defensive Lexical Profile
defensive Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Used or intended to protect someone or something against physical harm, danger, or strategic opposition.
"The ancient city was surrounded by high defensive walls made of quarried stone."
Anxious to challenge or avoid criticism; quick to justify one's own actions or behavior.
"He became noticeably defensive when the committee questioned his budget estimates."
Relating to the effort to prevent the opposing team or player from scoring in a sport or game.
"The coach praised the team's strong defensive performance in the final quarter."
• noun
A position, attitude, or posture of defense or self-justification (chiefly used in the phrase 'on the defensive').
"The unexpected questions from the panel immediately put the spokesperson on the defensive."
• Rhymes for defensive
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'defensif', which derived from Medieval Latin 'defensivus', from the past participle stem of Latin 'defendere' ('to ward off, protect').