defensive

de-fen-sive · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Used or intended to defend or protect.

  2. 2.

    Very anxious to challenge or avoid criticism.

  3. 3.

    (Sports) Relating to or intended for defense.

  4. 4.

    (The defensive) A position of defending against attack.

Related words

Antonyms: aggressive, attacking, offensive
See also: defense, offensive, protective
Synonyms: guarded, protective, wary

Etymology

From Medieval Latin defensivus, from Latin defensum, past participle of defendere meaning "to ward off, protect."