defensive Meaning & Definition
What Does Defensive Mean?
Defensive is used as an adjective meaning Intended for defence; protective. It is also used to mean Intended to deter attack. As a noun, it means A means, attitude or position of defense. Chiefly in on the defensive. As a noun, it means A means, attitude or position of defense.
Defensive: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //dɪˈfɛn.sɪv// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | protective, justificative and apologetic |
| Antonyms | offensive |
| Plural | defensives |
| Comparative / superlative | more defensive, most defensive |
Defensive Definition (Adjective)
- Intended for defence; protective.
a defensive perimeter
- Intended to deter attack.
a defensive missile system
- Performed so as to minimise risk.
defensive driving
- Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.
- Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.
- Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
The victim held up his hand to repel the attacker and received a defensive knife wound.
- In a state or posture of defense.
Defensive as a Noun
- A means, attitude or position of defense. Chiefly in on the defensive.
Noun
- A means, attitude or position of defense.
Adjective
- Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion.
Synonyms of Defensive
Antonyms of Defensive
Defensive in a Sentence
a defensive perimeter
a defensive missile system
defensive driving
The victim held up his hand to repel the attacker and received a defensive knife wound.
Word Forms & Grammar
defensive (comparative more defensive, superlative most defensive)
defensive (plural defensives)
Words That Rhyme With Defensive
Origin of Defensive
From Middle French défensif. Morphologically defense + -ive.
Pronouncing Defensive
Defensive is pronounced //dɪˈfɛn.sɪv// and has 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Defensive
Is defensive an adjective or a noun?
Defensive is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for defensive?
Words with a similar meaning to defensive include protective, justificative and apologetic. See the full list of defensive synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of defensive?
The opposite of defensive is offensive.
What is the plural of defensive?
The plural of defensive is defensives.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of defensive?
The comparative form is more defensive and the superlative form is most defensive.