Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
-
- [dih-fen-siv]
- /dɪˈfɛn sɪv/
- /dɪˈfen.sɪv/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [dih-fen-siv]
- /dɪˈfɛn sɪv/
Definitions of defensive word
- adjective defensive You use defensive to describe things that are intended to protect someone or something. 3
- adjective defensive Someone who is defensive is behaving in a way that shows they feel unsure or threatened. 3
- adjective defensive In sports, defensive play is play that is intended to prevent your opponent from scoring goals or points against you. 3
- adjective defensive intended, suitable, or done for defence, as opposed to offence 3
- adjective defensive rejecting criticisms of oneself or covering up one's failings 3
- noun defensive a position of defence 3
Information block about the term
Origin of defensive
First appearance:
before 1350 One of the 20% oldest English words
1350-1400; < Medieval Latin dēfēnsīvus (see defense, -ive); replacing Middle English defensif < Middle French < Medieval Latin, as above
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Defensive
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
defensive popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 93% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
defensive usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for defensive
adj defensive
- opposing — to act against or provide resistance to; combat.
- conservative — A Conservative politician or voter is a member of or votes for the Conservative Party in Britain.
- preservative — something that preserves or tends to preserve.
- uptight — tense, nervous, or jittery.
- arresting — attracting attention; striking
adjective defensive
- self-justifying — offering excuses for oneself, especially in excess of normal demands.
- self-protection — protection of oneself or itself.
- apologetic — If you are apologetic, you show or say that you are sorry for causing trouble for someone, for hurting them, or for disappointing them.
- distrustful — unable or unwilling to trust; doubtful; suspicious: An alert scientist is distrustful of coincidences.
- wary — watchful; being on one's guard against danger.
adverb defensive
- on the lookout — keeping watch
- on one's toes — one of the terminal digits of the human foot.
- on the watch — to be alertly on the lookout, look attentively, or observe, as to see what comes, is done, or happens: to watch while an experiment is performed.
Antonyms for defensive
adj defensive
- unwary — not wary; not cautious or watchful, as against danger or misfortune.
- watchful — vigilant or alert; closely observant: The sentry remained watchful throughout the night.
- undefensive — serving to defend; protective: defensive armament.
- unprotective — having the quality or function of protecting: a protective covering.
adjective defensive
- aggressive — An aggressive person or animal has a quality of anger and determination that makes them ready to attack other people.
noun defensive
- offensive — causing resentful displeasure; highly irritating, angering, or annoying: offensive television commercials.
Top questions with defensive
- what is defensive driving?
- what does a defensive end do?
- why are people defensive?
- what is a defensive back?
- what does defensive mean?
- what is the ipde defensive driving formula?
- when someone gets defensive are they lying?
- how does one become a good defensive driver?
- who is the best defensive player in the nfl?
- what is a defensive stock?
- why do people get defensive?
- how to play defensive end?
- what is defensive medicine?
- what is a defensive driver?
- how to stop being defensive?
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with d
- Words starting with de
- Words starting with def
- Words starting with defe
- Words starting with defen
- Words starting with defens
- Words starting with defensi
- Words starting with defensiv
- Words starting with defensive