Meaning of defensive In English

• 0 used to protect someone or something against attack:

  • These are purely defensive weapons, not designed for attack.

• 1 too quick to protect yourself from being criticized:

  • When asked about his decision, he got very defensive.

  • There's no need to get so defensive!

• 2 in a sports event, trying to prevent the opposing player or players from scoring points, goals, etc.:

  • He's currently the best defensive player on the team.

• 3 ready to protect yourself because you are expecting to be criticized or attacked

• 4 intended to protect against attack or harm:

  • a defensive strategy

  • It’s too late to sign up for the defensive driving class.

  • Don’t be defensive – I’m just asking why you didn’t vote.

• 5 trying to prevent the opposing player or players from scoring points:

  • The team’s defensive strategy was effective.

• 6 an investment that is defensive is very safe, with little or no risk, and its value does not change very much over a period of time:

  • a defensive share/stock

• 7 trying to protect someone or something from harm or attack:

  • a defensive measure/move

• 8 an investment that is very safe, with little or no risk, and whose value does not change very much over a period of time:

  • Analysts said investors were moving to defensives that had enough cash to cover a high dividend.