defensive

Meaning

Adj

1. Intended for defence; protective.
2. Intended to deter attack.
3. Performed so as to minimise risk.
4. Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.
5. Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.
6. Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
7. In a state or posture of defense.

Noun

A means, attitude or position of defense.

Synonyms

protective

defense

on guard

watchful

justificatory

defence

defence

defensive attitude

justificative

defense

precautionary

preserving

preventive

protecting

fortified

defensively

averting

intercessory

Translations

défensif

defensivo

αμυντικός

difensivo

defensiv

difensiva

defensiva

defensiu

défensive

defensivo

دفاعي

defensief

Defensive

Pronounced as (IPA)

/dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/

Etymology

From Middle French défensif. Morphologically defense + -ive.