defensive
//dɪˈfɛn.sɪv//
Forms
- Comparative
- more defensive
- Superlative
- most defensive
- Plural
- defensives
Definitions
1.Intended for defence; protective.
2.Intended to deter attack.
3.Performed so as to minimise risk.
4.Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.
1.A means, attitude or position of defense. Chiefly in on the defensive.
- Such kinds of defensives are really rather protecting the local companies than the consumers.
- The Germans had developed a highly scientific defensive in which machine-guns replaced rifles and a maximum of punishment was inflicted upon an assaulting force with a minimum of human loss.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #2790
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle French défensif.
Morphologically defense + -ive.