defensively
1Defensively — De*fen sive*ly, adv. On the defensive. [1913 Webster] …
2defensively — adverb 1. in an apologetic and defensive manner I felt it better you should know, said Sir Cedric defensively • Derived from adjective: ↑defensive 2. in a defensive manner the general conviction that our side is in the right and acting… …
3defensively — adv. Defensively is used with these verbs: ↑react, ↑reply, ↑retort, ↑say, ↑struggle …
4defensively — defensive ► ADJECTIVE 1) used or intended to defend or protect. 2) very anxious to challenge or avoid criticism. ● on the defensive Cf. ↑on the defensive DERIVATIVES defensively adverb defensiveness noun …
5Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships — Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship (DEMS) was an Admiralty Trade Division program established in June, 1939, to arm 5,500 British merchant ships with an adequate defence against enemy submarines and aircraft. The acronym DEMS was used to describe …
6defensively — adverb see defensive I …
7defensively — See defensive. * * * …
8defensively — adverb In a defensive manner …
9defensively — (Roget s IV) modif. Syn. suspiciously, on the defensive, in self defense, at bay; see carefully 2 …
10defensively — adv. in a defensive manner, protectively …