defensive

Pluraldefensives

1. 1
   adjective

   Made to protect something from attack or harm.

   Like a shield you hold up to block a blow.

   The castle's thick walls were built for defensive purposes.

   They put up a defensive barrier around the camp.

   Similarprotective

   Oppositeoffensive

   Note
2. 2
   adjective

   Quick to feel hurt or attacked by what others say, and fast to protect yourself.

   Like throwing your hands up to block before anyone has even tried to hit you.

   He got defensive the moment anyone questioned his work.

   She became defensive when her sister mentioned the missed appointment.

   Similartouchy, prickly, sensitive, oversensitive, thin-skinned

   Oppositeopen, receptive

3. 3
   adjective

   Made to stop an enemy from attacking.

   Like a tall fence that makes a robber decide not to climb in.

   The country placed defensive missiles along its border.

   A loud alarm works as a defensive measure against burglars.

   Similarprotective, preventive

   Oppositeoffensive

4. 4
   adjective

   About stopping the other team from scoring, not about attacking.

   Like guarding the door so no one can get into your house.

   The coach praised the team's strong defensive play.

   Their defensive skills kept the other side from scoring.

   Oppositeattacking, offensive

   Note
5. 5
   adjective

   Ready to protect yourself or guard against attack.

   Like a cat arching its back when a dog comes too close.

   The soldiers took up a defensive stance behind the wall.

   The boxer stayed defensive for the whole round.

   Oppositeaggressive

   Note
6. 6
   adjective

   Done carefully to avoid danger or mistakes.

   Like walking slowly on ice so you don't slip.

   She took a defensive driving course last spring.

   Good defensive habits behind the wheel can prevent accidents.

   Similarcautious, conservative, careful, prudent, safe

   Oppositeaggressive, risky, reckless, bold

7. 7
   noun

   A way of protecting yourself, or being ready to do so.

   Like keeping your guard up so nothing can catch you off balance.

   After the criticism, she stayed on the defensive all evening.

   The surprise raid forced the army onto the defensive.

   Similardefense

   Oppositeoffensive

   Note
8. 8
   adjective

   In cricket, meant to stop the other team scoring runs, or to avoid getting out.

   Like blocking the goal instead of trying to score.

   The batsman played a defensive shot to block the ball.

   The captain set a defensive field to slow the run rate.

   Similarcautious

   Oppositeattacking, aggressive

   Note

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