defensive - Dictionary definition and pronunciation - Yahoo! Education

Definition of defensive

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de·fen·sive  audio  (d-fnsv) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
  1. Intended or appropriate for defending; protective.
    1. Intended to withstand or deter aggression or attack: a defensive weapons system; defensive behavior.
    2. Of or relating to the effort to prevent an opponent from gaining points in a game or athletic contest.
    3. Performed so as to avoid risk, danger, or legal liability: defensive driving; defensive medicine,
  3. Of or relating to defense.
  4. Psychology Constantly protecting oneself from criticism, exposure of one's shortcomings, or other real or perceived threats to the ego.
NOUN:
  1. A means of defense.
  2. An attitude or position of defense.

IDIOM:
on the defensive
Prepared to withstand or counter aggression or attack.


OTHER FORMS:
de·fensive·ly(Adverb), de·fensive·ness(Noun)


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