Added 9 October 2026
defensive
/dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/ noun
In Latin: defensīvus, defensāns, defendēns Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about defensive at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- An attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive').
adjective
-
Intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack.
defensive weapons
- Attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing.
Origin
From Middle French défensif. Morphologically defense + -ive.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)