defensive

/di'fensiv/
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Thân thiện
defensive

The player takes a defensive stance on the basketball court.

Definition

  1. Adjective:

    • Protective or resisting attack: Used to describe something intended to protect against or resist an attack, criticism, or unwanted situation.
    • Justifying or explaining: Used to describe a manner of speaking or writing that attempts to justify or explain one's actions or opinions, often because one feels criticized.

  2. Noun:

    • A position or attitude of defense: A state of being ready to defend against attack or criticism.
Usage
  • Adjective:
    • The team adopted a defensive strategy to protect their lead.
    • He became very defensive when I asked about the mistake.
  • Noun:
    • The criticism put him on the defensive.
Advanced Usage
  • "On the defensive" (idiom): In a state or position of resisting attack or criticism.
    • The politician was put on the defensive by the reporter's tough questions.
  • "Defensive driving": The practice of driving to avoid accidents despite the mistakes of others or poor conditions.
    • Taking a course in defensive driving can make you a safer driver.
Variants and Related Words
  • Defensively (adverb): In a defensive manner.
    • He answered the questions defensively.
  • Defensiveness (noun): The quality of being defensive.
    • Her defensiveness made it hard to have an open conversation.
Synonyms
  • Protective: Intended to keep someone or something safe.
  • Guarded: Cautious and having reservations.
  • Self-justifying: Attempting to justify one's actions or beliefs.
Antonyms
  • Offensive: Used for attacking; aggressive.
  • Open: Willing to consider new ideas; not defensive.
Related Phrases
  • Defensive position: A physical or strategic posture intended for defense.
    • The army took up a defensive position on the hill.
  • Defensive mechanism: (In psychology) An unconscious process that protects the mind from anxiety.
    • Denial is a common defensive mechanism.
defensive

The player takes a defensive stance on the basketball court.

Adjective
  1. attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing
  2. intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack
    • defensive weapons
    • a defensive stance
Noun
  1. an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive')

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