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Meanings of defensive in English

Spanish
defensivo

Intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack.

Related terms
defensivo
Catalan
actitud defensiva
Spanish
actitud defensiva

An attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive')

actitud defensiva
Antonyms
Examples for "offensive"
Examples for "offensive"
1
Since Israel's Gaza offensive 18 months ago, cross-border violence has largely abated.
Reuters
2
Bryant had an offensive way of dismissing what he called 'ordinary crime'.
The water room
3
What is particularly offensive is the way the government has announced this.
News.com.au
4
What's more, there are serious legal consequences for using this offensive term.
The South African
5
The next criticism is a related one: the great 'straw man' offensive.
The god delusion

Attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing.

Related terms
Usage of defensive in English
1
They can turn quickly from a defensive situation to an attacking situation.
Radio NZ
2
The group known as the 'frugal four' is pursuing a defensive approach.
The Guardian
3
China says its increasingly high-tech military forces are purely for defensive purposes.
Reuters
4
The Sea Eagles deserved the victory with their defensive effort first rate.
The Guardian
5
Instead, expect Manolas to lead their defensive line for years to come.
The Guardian
6
His body language is completely different from the previous interviews: tentative, defensive.
Mindhunter
7
I think that's going to happen because they're a good defensive team.
Reuters
8
Vodafone also suffered as a defensive stock when investors' risk appetite returned.
Reuters
9
They therefore referred to all work on BW as being purely defensive.
Occupied city
10
And the way you said it, too-alldefensive, all ready to fight.
Revolutionary Road
11
Alone among the major Allies, Italy claimed no defensive reasons for fighting.
The white war: life and death on the italian front 1915-1919
12
He was defensive, rationalising that abuse happens in all sectors of society.
The Guardian
13
NATO has said the possible deployment of the missiles was purely defensive.
Reuters
14
Fence security will be increased and appropriate defensive measures will be taken.
A Long Way from Home
15
The PBY buttons control the defensive branch of the country's military power.
Level 7
16
Lost Firmino for Liverpool's second goal but led a superb defensive display.
The Guardian
About this term
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Translations for defensive
Defensive through the time
Defensive across language varieties
South Africa
Common
United States of America
Common
Australia
Common
More variants