Sekirov Dictionary

defensive

/dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/

adjective 7
noun 1
forms 3

adjective7

Intended for defence; protective.
Intended to deter attack.
Performed so as to minimise risk.
Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.
•
Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
- The victim held up his hand to repel the attacker and received a defensive knife wound.
•
In a state or posture of defense.
- […]Once join'd, the contrary she proves, a thorn Intestin, far within defensive arms[…] — 1671
Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.

noun1

•
A means, attitude or position of defense. Chiefly in on the defensive.
- The Germans had developed a highly scientific defensive in which machine-guns replaced rifles and a maximum of punishment was inflicted upon an assaulting force with a minimum of human loss. — 1916

forms

defensives · more defensive · most defensive

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