Defensive linebacker football. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Nov 2, 2012 · The meaning of DEFENSIVE is serving to defend or protect. Mar 3, 2025 · When it comes to "defencive" versus "defensive," you might feel unsure. n. Sep 25, 2025 · Defensiveness is a maladaptive defense mechanism in response to someone giving you feedback that you perceive as critical. So, which one is correct? The right way to spell it is defensive. a position or attitude of defense: on the defensive about one's mistakes. of or pertaining to defense. 4. This is the form you’ll see in dictionaries and is widely accepted in both American and British English. sensitive to the threat of criticism or injury to one's ego. How to use defensive in a sentence. Someone who is defensive is behaving in a way that shows they feel unsure or threatened. . Nov 2, 2012 · The meaning of DEFENSIVE is serving to defend or protect. Defensive definition: serving to defend; protective. Also, defensive players in football try to prevent the other side from scoring, just like defensive military strategies try to protect something. Like their children, parents are often defensive about their private lives. There are 17 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word defensive, five of which are labelled obsolete. See examples of DEFENSIVE used in a sentence. If someone is defensive, the person feels criticized and quickly tries to explain: 2. Sep 22, 2025 · defensive (comparative more defensive, superlative most defensive) Intended for defence; protective. When a person is acting defensive, they're trying to protect or justify themselves. There is an overwhelming urge to protect yourself when you feel hurt, shame, sadness, or anger. People who are insecure or guilty tend to act defensive. Defensive definition: Of or relating to defense. 3. She heard the blustering, defensive note in his voice and knew that he was ashamed. 24pz rs x7k0lg qfhbr ky73p wqnq8uxpi uy9hbgz ewitf vax lavt