defensive (noun)
11defensive — c.1400 (adj. and noun), from Fr. défensif (14c.), from M.L. defensivus, from defens , pp. stem of L. defendere (see DEFEND (Cf. defend)). Of persons, alert to reject criticism, from 1919. Related: Defensively; defensiveness …
12defensive medicine — noun Date: 1973 the practice of ordering medical tests, procedures, or consultations of doubtful clinical value in order to protect the prescribing physician from malpractice suits …
13defensive zone — noun The ice between a teams own blue line and its end board. Syn: defending zone …
14defensive field — noun A field set with fielders in positions designed to prevent runs rather than take wickets …
15defensive measure — noun (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies they died in the defense of Stalingrad they were developed for the defense program • Syn: ↑defense, ↑defence • Topics: ↑military, ↑ …
16defensive structure — noun a structure used to defend against attack the artillery battered down the defenses • Syn: ↑defense, ↑defence • Hypernyms: ↑structure, ↑construction • Hyponyms: ↑ …
17defensive allegation — noun : a pleading in English ecclesiastical law in which defendant does not deny plaintiff s allegations but avers special circumstances and facts constituting a defense thereby requiring plaintiff to answer upon oath the matter set up in defense …
18defensive gland — noun : repugnatorial gland …
19defensive — I. 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 …
20defensive — 1 adjective 1 used or intended to protect people against attack: The rockets are a purely defensive measure against nuclear attack. opposite offensive 1 (3) 2 behaving in a way that shows you think someone is criticizing you even if they are not …
