Meaning
defensive
- intended or serving to defend, in sports or military contexts
- showing wariness or an inclination to justify oneself
In a sentence
La squadra ha adottato una tattica difensiva per tutta la partita.
The team adopted a defensive tactic throughout the match.
Perché assumi sempre un atteggiamento difensivo quando ti faccio una domanda?
Why do you always take a defensive stance when I ask you a question?
Le mura difensive dell'antica fortezza sono ancora perfettamente conservate.
The defensive walls of the ancient fortress are still perfectly preserved.
Word forms (4)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| difensivo | masculine · singular |
| difensiva | feminine · singular |
| difensivi | masculine · plural |
| difensive | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- 'Sulla difensiva' is a common idiomatic phrase meaning 'on the defensive'.