defensive
adjective
de·fen·sive
| \ di-ˈfen(t)-siv
, ˈdē-ˌfen(t)-
\
, ˈdē-ˌfen(t)-
\
Definition of defensive
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: serving to defend or protect
defensive fortifications
2a
: devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack
defensive behavior He became defensive when I brought up his spending habits.
b
sports
: of or relating to the attempt to keep an opponent from scoring in a game or contest
a player with good defensive skills made a brilliant defensive play
3 card games
a
: valuable in defensive play
a defensive card in bridge
b
: designed to keep an opponent from being the highest bidder
a defensive bid
defensive
nounDefinition of defensive (Entry 2 of 2)
on the defensive
: in the state or condition of being prepared or required to defend against attack or criticism
keeping his political opponent on the defensive
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Synonyms & Antonyms for defensive
Synonyms: Adjective
Synonyms: Noun
Antonyms: Adjective
Antonyms: Noun
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Examples of defensive in a Sentence
Adjective
The city began building a defensive wall around its borders. The government decided to join a defensive alliance with several other nations. I was surprised by his defensive reaction to my suggestion. There's no need to get so defensive. I was only making a suggestion. When we asked her about the mistakes, she became defensive. The coach has a strong defensive strategy.Noun
their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the defensive
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Most college coaches like him as a defensive tackle at the next level. — Mick Mccabe, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan high school football 2019: Mick McCabe's top 25 players," 23 Aug. 2019 The former defensive tackle for the New York Giants became perhaps the most respected analyst of the early Super Bowl era. — Washington Post, "A look at iconic announcers in NFL history," 23 Aug. 2019 Anthony Rush, defensive tackle, Alabama-Birmingham: Had four more tackles against the Packers, including one for loss, in 27 snaps. Rush didn’t arrive until Aug. 1 but showed up in a big way in the exhibition opener against the Rams. — Jerry Mcdonald, The Mercury News, "Which Raiders’ undrafted free agents will make 53-man roster?," 23 Aug. 2019 Associate head coach Larry Johnson believes six defensive tackles can rotate. — Stephen Means, cleveland.com, "Unlike other positions, J.K. Dobbins may be all the depth Ohio State needs at running back this season," 23 Aug. 2019 The defense is led by the interior line play of defensive tackles Corey Brown and Jamar Thompson. — Emmett Hall, sun-sentinel.com, "Lauderhill Lions following up national championship with impressive start," 22 Aug. 2019 In March 2009, Denver Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thomas was arrested on suspicion of cocaine and jailed for a night. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "The Consequences Patrick Chung Could Face For His Felony Cocaine Charge," 22 Aug. 2019 Freshmen most likely to see early playing time are tight end Luke Musgrave, safety Akili Arnold, cornerbacks Alex Austin and Jojo Forest, linebacker Omar Speights and defensive tackle Evan Bennett. — oregonlive.com, "Oregon State football: 10 takeaways as Beavers end preseason camp and head into Oklahoma State prep," 22 Aug. 2019 Since being drafted in the sixth round this spring, defensive tackle Armon Watts has become a forgotten man of sorts. — Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, "For kicker and punter, Vikings focus on getting it right, not now," 21 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
On his high school team, Mosley plays defensive back and wide receiver, but he was specifically recruited by Maryland as a defensive back. — Giana Han, baltimoresun.com, "Three-star defensive back Shane Mosley commits to Maryland football, joining brother Jordan," 21 June 2019 The Kenosha Bradford alumnus heads into his fifth year as a defensive back with the Vikings. — Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "These former Wisconsin Badgers are all on NFL rosters as the season nears its kickoff," 3 Sep. 2019 Committed to Wisconsin as a defensive back, Lofy excels on both sides of the ball. — Jake Shapiro, The Denver Post, "Colorado prep football: 20 impact players to watch in Class 4A," 27 Aug. 2019 In the secondary, St. Francis will be anchored by seniors Mikey Kane, Bryson, Garrison and sophomore Mayze Bryant, whose brother, Myles, is a defensive back at the University of Washington. — Charles Rich, Glendale News-Press, "Football Preview: Experienced St. Francis looking at big picture," 26 Aug. 2019 Young accounted for nine touchdowns (five rushing, four passing) in a backup role last season and also had a team-high four interceptions as a defensive back. — Jason Frakes, The Courier-Journal, "What to know about the 2019 Oldham County High School football team," 18 Aug. 2019 Last fall, the lengthy, rangy athlete made the varsity team as a cornerback and defined himself as a defensive back. — oregonlive.com, "Patrick Hisatake, 2021 Clackamas athlete, emerging as prospect, hearing from Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers," 12 Aug. 2019 WR Gunner Olszewski, Bemidji State — Olszewski was a defensive back for the Division II Beavers who is is attempting to switch to wide receiver in the NFL. — Nick Kelly, BostonGlobe.com, "Patriots undrafted player nuggets," 30 July 2019 Minkah Fitzpatrick — Miami’s first-round pick in 2018, entering his second season — will likely play as a nickel defensive back. — Safid Deen, sun-sentinel.com, "Dolphins sign cornerback Tyler Patmon, who had brief stint with team in 2015," 22 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'defensive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for defensive
defensive
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of defensive
: defending or protecting someone or something from attack : helping to keep a person or thing safe
: behaving in a way that shows that you feel people are criticizing you
sports
: of or relating to the way that players try to stop an opponent from scoring in a game or contest
See the full definition for defensive in the English Language Learners Dictionary
defensive
adjective
de·fen·sive
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