defensive

adjective

1. 1

   Intended for defence; protective.

   a defensive perimeter

2. 2

   Intended to deter attack.

   a defensive missile system

3. 3

   Performed so as to minimise risk.

   defensive driving

4. 4

   Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.

5. 5

   Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.

6. 6

   Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.

   The victim held up his hand to repel the attacker and received a defensive knife wound.

   The Italian opted for Bolton's Cahill alongside captain John Terry - and his decision was rewarded with a goal after only 13 minutes. Bulgaria gave a hint of defensive frailties to come when they failed to clear Young's corner, and when Gareth Barry found Cahill in the box he applied the finish past Nikolay Mihaylov.

7. 7

   In a state or posture of defense.

   […]Once join'd, the contrary ſhe proves, a thorn Inteſtin, far within defenſive arms[…]

noun

1. 1

   A means, attitude or position of defense. Chiefly in on the defensive.

   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.

   Such kinds of defensives are really rather protecting the local companies than the consumers.

Forms

plural

defensives

comparative

more defensive

superlative

most defensive