defensive

/dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/adj
Middle School
1

Intended for defence; protective.

2

Intended to deter attack.

3

Performed so as to minimise risk.

4

Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.

5

Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.

6

Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.

7

In a state or posture of defense.

Thesaurus

Antonyms

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing