defensive

comparative more defensive · superlative most defensive

1. Intended for defence; protective.

   a defensive perimeter

2. Intended to deter attack.

   a defensive missile system

3. Performed so as to minimise risk.

   defensive driving

4. Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.
5. ball gamesOf a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.
6. hobbiesPertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.

   The victim held up his hand to repel the attacker and received a defensive knife wound.

   1 more example

   The Italian opted for Bolton's Cahill alongside captain John Terry - and his decision was rewarded with a goal after only 13 minutes. Bulgaria gave a hint of defensive frailties to come when they failed to clear Young's corner, and when Gareth Barry found Cahill in the box he applied the finish past Nikolay Mihaylov.

   2011 September 2, Phil McNulty, “Bulgaria 0-3 England”, in BBC

7. In a state or posture of defense.

   […]Once join'd, the contrary ſhe proves, a thorn Inteſtin, far within defenſive arms[…]

   1671, John Milton, “Samson Agonistes, […].”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for John Starkey […], →OCLC, pages 63–64, lines 48–49

plural defensives

1. A means, attitude or position of defense. Chiefly in on the defensive.First known use 16th c.

   Such kinds of defensives are really rather protecting the local companies than the consumers.

   2007 May 26, Julia Werdigier, “Consolidating the Banks of Europe”, in New York Times

   1 more example

   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, HG Wells, Mr Britling Sees it Through, London: Hogarth Press, published 1985, page 310