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- pronunciation:
- dih
fen
sihv
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
A defensive thing is something that works to defend or protect something. A high wall around a castle is a defensive structure, for example. A defensive move in a game of chess, is a move that protects the king.
A defensive wall was built around the fort.- similar words:
- protective
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| definition 2: |
If a person is defensive, they get somewhat upset when they feel people are criticizing or attacking them. They often say things to defend themselves. The things they say may be true or they may just be excuses.
Mr. Hunt is always defensive about why his business failed. He always blames his partner for everything.Ms. Cole is a quite defensive person and always gets annoyed if somebody criticizes her or doesn't agree with her. She never admits that she's wrong or that some idea she has might not work. |
| derivations: |
defensively (adv.), defensiveness (n.) |
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