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 ( see 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 enduring a prolonged stretch of underperformance, medical device stocks are beginning to show early signs of stabilization as investors rotate back toward defensive growth areas of the healthcare sector.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

Russia shifted tactics in early 2025 toward infiltration, whereby small groups of soldiers are sent through gaps in Ukraine’s defensive lines.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

There is already more than 1,000 British personnel deployed in the region as part of existing defensive operations, including counter-drone teams and fast jet squadrons, the ministry said.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Eric Garcia has emerged as one of the season's most valuable tactical players, filling multiple positions seamlessly, while Gerard Martin has exceeded expectations after being placed into a key defensive role.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

The Colts’ defensive line didn’t know what was coming at them.”

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden

Related Words

• opposing