How do you pronounce defensive?

The recorded pronunciation is /dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/.

defensive

/dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.38 in modern English

Syllables: de-fen-sive
IPA: /dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/

Scrabble Score

Letters

Syllables

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Intended for defence; protective.

adj

Intended to deter attack.

adj

Performed so as to minimise risk.

adj

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

adj

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

adj

Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.

adj

In a state or posture of defense.

noun

A means, attitude or position of defense. Chiefly in on the defensive.

Example Sentences

"a defensive perimeter"
"a defensive missile system"
"defensive driving"
"The victim held up his hand to repel the attacker and received a defensive knife wound."
"The Italian opted for Bolton's Cahill alongside captain John Terry - and his decision was rewarded with a goal after only 13 minutes. Bulgaria gave a hint of defensive frailties to come when they failed to clear Young's corner, and when Gareth Barry found Cahill in the box he applied the finish past Nikolay Mihaylov."
"[…]Once join'd, the contrary ſhe proves, a thorn Inteſtin, far within defenſive arms[…]"

Etymology

From Middle French défensif. Morphologically defense + -ive.

Word Breakdown

Suffix: defense

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/
British English: /dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/

Inflected Forms

more defensive (comparative) most defensive (superlative) defensives (plural)

Derived Forms

counterdefensive cyberdefensive defensively defensiveness hyperdefensive immunodefensive indefensive nondefensive overdefensive undefensive

Phrases

defensive back defensive copy defensive copying defensive design defensive end defensive field defensive halfback defensive indifference

Frequently Paired Words

defensive industry on the defensive

Synonyms

justificative justificatory defensive attitude

Antonyms

offensive

Rhymes With

expensive extensive offensive comprehensive intensive inexpensive apprehensive pensive inoffensive hypertensive counteroffensive