defensive

noun

A means, attitude or position of defense.

adjective

(chiefly sports) Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.

Intended for defence; protective.

Intended to deter attack.

In a state or posture of defense.

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

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

Performed so as to minimise risk.

Roots

defendofens- · Latin · ward off, defend

Synonyms for defensive

defendingadj

Synonyms & related words for defensive

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of defensive — including defending. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to defensive

Explore words related to defensive — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include defensively, justificatory, defensiveness, defense, defenders, linebacker, offensive, backfield. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for defensive

Common synonyms for defensive include defending — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does defensive come from?

The word defensive breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root fens-, from Latin defendo (“ward off, defend”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.