defensive

CEFRB1

/dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/

adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

Examples

At a glance

Sits at B1 on the CEFR scale

Also pronounced

Deep Dive

Extra meanings

Performed so as to minimise risk.
Intended for defence; protective.
Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.

In context

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Question 1 · Quick check

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

The word in print, with each source given in full.

[…]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 […], →OCL...
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
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
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

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From Middle French défensif. Morphologically defense + -ive.