defensive
[ dih-fen-siv ]
/ dɪˈfɛn sɪv /
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adjective
noun
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Origin of defensive
OTHER WORDS FROM defensive
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use defensive in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for defensive
defensive
/ (dɪˈfɛnsɪv) /
adjective
intended, suitable, or done for defence, as opposed to offence
rejecting criticisms of oneself or covering up one's failings
noun
a position of defence
on the defensive in an attitude or position of defence, as in being ready to reject criticism
Derived forms of defensive
defensively, adverbdefensiveness, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Other Idioms and Phrases with defensive
defensive
see on the defensive.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.