Defensive — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /di-ˈfen(t)-siv/ de·fen·sive

Meaning & Definition of Defensive

Defensive (adjective)

  1. serving to defend or protect
  2. devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack
  3. of or relating to the attempt to keep an opponent from scoring in a game or contest; also, of or relating to a team that is not in possession of the ball or puck

Defensive (noun)

  1. a position serving to protect or defend, a defensive position

Defensive (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression

    "a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors"

    similar: protective, self-protective
    related: deterrent, preventive, safe, secure
    opposite: offensive
    near: aggressive, bellicose, belligerent, combative, contentious, in-your-face, militant, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, warlike

Defensive (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack

    "their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the defensive"

    similar: guard
    related: alert, lookout, qui vive, watch
    opposite: offensive

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Defensive

The most common words with a similar meaning to Defensive:

protective, self-protective, guard

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Defensive

Words with the opposite meaning of Defensive:

offensive

Related Words for Defensive

deterrent, preventive, safe, secure, alert, lookout, qui vive, watch

Near Antonyms of Defensive

aggressive, bellicose, belligerent, combative, contentious, in-your-face, militant, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, warlike

Word Forms of Defensive

Derived words: defensively (adverb), defensiveness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Defensive

Middle English defensif, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin dēfensīvus, from Latin dēfensus, past participle of dēfendere "to ward off, defend" + -īvus -ive

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Defensive

Words & Phrases Containing Defensive

defensive medicine, on the defensive, self-defensive

Frequently Asked Questions about Defensive

What does "Defensive" mean?

"Defensive" means serving to defend or protect. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: serving to defend or protect. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Defensive"?

Other words for "Defensive" include protective, self-protective and guard. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Defensive" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Defensive"?

There are 11 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Defensive". Common alternatives include protective, self-protective and guard.

What is the opposite of "Defensive"?

Antonyms of "Defensive" include offensive. Near antonyms include aggressive, bellicose, belligerent and combative.

How do you use "Defensive" in a sentence?

Examples of "Defensive" in a sentence: "a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors"; "their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the defensive".

Is "Defensive" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Defensive" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Defensive" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Defensive" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Defensive"?

"Defensive" is pronounced /di-ˈfen(t)-siv/ and divided into syllables as de·fen·sive.