Defensive
"Used or intended to defend or protect; very anxious to challenge or avoid criticism."
Morphological Anatomy
The verb defend (from Latin defendere, meaning "to ward off") is combined with the suffix -ive to create an adjective describing a tendency to protect or ward off.
Etymology Timeline
defendere
From de- ("away") + -fendere ("to strike"). Literally, "to strike away."
Defensif
Borrowed from Old French defensif, initially used to describe something that protects or wards off.
Word Family & Derivatives
To protect from harm or danger.
The action of defending from or resisting attack.
A person who defends someone or something.
In a defensive way; with a tendency to protect or avoid criticism.
Usage in Context
The word defensive is used to describe physical protection and psychological states. In a physical sense, it describes measures taken to protect against attack, such as a defensive wall or a defensive strategy in sports.
In a psychological context, it describes a person who is overly sensitive to criticism and quick to justify their actions. A defensive attitude can hinder communication and growth. In law, a defensive plea is one that seeks to justify or excuse an action.
Example Sentences
- "The army took up defensive positions along the border."
- "He became defensive when I asked him about the missing money."
- "The team has a strong defensive line that is hard to break."