defensive
pronunciation
How to pronounce defensive in British English:
UK [dɪˈfensɪv]
How to pronounce defensive in American English:
US [dɪˈfensɪv]
-
- Noun:
- an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive')
-
- Adjective:
- intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack
- attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing
- serving as or appropriate for defending or protecting
Word Origin
- defensive
- c. 1400 (adj. and noun), from French défensif (14c.), from Medieval Latin defensivus, from defens-, past participle stem of Latin defendere (see defend). Of persons, "alert to reject criticism," from 1919. Related: Defensively; defensiveness.
Antonym
Example
- 1. Finally , the takeover is also a defensive move .
- 2. In the past , defensive manoeuvres often went unpunished .
- 3. Perhaps this is because her explanation feels slightly defensive .
- 4. But his face was tense , defensive .
- 5. But now the company is on the defensive .