defensive

American  

[dih-fen-siv] / dɪˈfɛn sɪv /

adjective

1. serving to defend; protective.

   defensive armament.

2. made or carried on for the purpose of resisting attack.

   defensive treaty;

   a defensive attitude.

3. of or relating to defense.

4. (of stocks, securities, etc.)

   1. able to provide moderately steady growth with minimal risk.

      The bank has put a large percentage of its assets in defensive rather than growth stocks.

   2. considered stable and relatively safe for investment, especially during a decline in the economy.

5. excessively concerned with guarding against the real or imagined threat of criticism, injury to one's ego, or exposure of one's shortcomings.

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noun

1. a position or attitude of defense.

   to be on the defensive about one's mistakes.

2. Obsolete. something that serves to defend.

defensive British  

/ dɪˈfɛnsɪv /

adjective

1. intended, suitable, or done for defence, as opposed to offence

2. rejecting criticisms of oneself or covering up one's failings

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noun

1. a position of defence

2. in an attitude or position of defence, as in being ready to reject criticism

defensive Idioms  

1. see on the defensive.

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Other Word Forms

• defensively adverb
• defensiveness noun
• nondefensive adjective
• nondefensively adverb
• overdefensive adjective
• overdefensively adverb
• semidefensive adjective
• semidefensively adverb
• undefensive adjective
• undefensively adverb

Etymology

Origin of defensive

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Medieval Latin dēfēnsīvus ( defense, -ive ); replacing Middle English defensif, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin, as above

Explanation

Someone on the defensive is concerned with justifying their actions or words. They have a defensive attitude as they try to protect themselves. If you know that to defend is to protect, you have an idea what defensive means. When a person is acting defensive, they're trying to protect or justify themselves. People who are insecure or guilty tend to act defensive. Also, defensive players in football try to prevent the other side from scoring, just like defensive military strategies try to protect something. When someone has a defensive attitude, or is forced to defend something, we also say they're "on the defensive."

Example Sentences

After the 1-1 draw, the Real boss noted the Frenchman "feels very comfortable as a defensive midfielder".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“That leaves the market in an uncomfortable but potentially constructive middle ground: cautious enough to be defensive, but not so fearful that it cannot respond to better news.”

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

But, they point out, over that time the market’s defensive sectors still outperform a money-market fund, on average.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

President Emmanuel Macron of France said Tuesday that the plan is for an international defensive mission that doesn’t include the “belligerent” parties, meaning the U.S.,

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

“I just told him to go outside and enjoy the day,” Ophie said, feeling a little defensive.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• opposing