defensive

[US]/dɪˈfensɪv/
[UK]/dɪˈfensɪv/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. used for defense; relating to defense; in a position of defense
n. a position of defense; being in a defensive posture; being on guard

Phrases & Collocations

defensive strategy

defensive behavior

defensive mechanism

defensive mindset

defensive tactics

on the defensive

defensive line

defensive end

defensive medicine

Example Sentences

a defensive weapons system; defensive behavior.

a defensive alliance between Australia and New Zealand.

The quarterback was mobbed by the defensive line.

We took a defensive attitude in the negotiation.

he was very defensive about that side of his life.

a defensive first-stringer and offensive second -stringer

Black must blocade the Pawn dooming the Black Rook's to a passive defensive role.

Magnus’s army was gradually pushed back into a defensive circle.

Elsewhere, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic epitomise the team's classy and aggressive­ brand of defensive solidarity­.

The two parties entered into a defensive alliance with each other to win the election.

Once he’s taken up a defensive attitude,it’s difficult to persuade him that there’s nothing to be afraid of.

As a defensive-backfield coach for Syracuse University's football team, Randy Edsall spends hours putting X's and O's on the blackboards and exhorting players in Saturday showdowns.

Real-world Examples

Of course Jackie's going to be irrational, hostile, defensive.

Source: Movie resources

Iraqi army, in the meanwhile, is continuing to press the defensive to retake Fallujah.

Source: NPR News January 2014 Compilation

Placing the use of defensive magic in a context for practical use.

Source: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

It is offensive rating and defensive rating.

Source: Connection Magazine

A 'role' can be defensive or attacking.

Source: Oxford University: IELTS Foreign Teacher Course

On February 23rd, the land defensive began.

Source: The rise and fall of superpowers.

Then why are you being so defensive?

Source: Out of Control Season 3

Then why are you sounding so defensive?

Source: Sherlock Holmes: The Basic Deduction Method Season 2

The best defensive player to ever play basketball.

Source: Chronicle of Contemporary Celebrities

Defensive means protecting yourself from criticism or attack.

Source: 6 Minute English

Popular Words

Explore frequently searched vocabulary

Download App to Unlock Full Content

Want to learn vocabulary more efficiently? Download the DictoGo app and enjoy more vocabulary memorization and review features!

Download DictoGo Now