n.
Pronunciation: di- ' fen(t)-siv, ' d ē - ˌ
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : serving to defend or protect < defensive fortifications>
2 a : devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack < defensive behavior> b : of or relating to the attempt to keep an opponent from scoring in a game or contest <a player with good defensive skills>
3 a : valuable in defensive play <a defensive card in bridge> b : designed to keep an opponent from being the highest bidder <a defensive bid>
– de · fen · sive · ly adverb
– de · fen · sive · ness noun