defensive
UK[dɪˈfensɪv]US[dɪˈfensɪv]
adj
used or intended to protect someone or something against attack
adj
behaving in a way that shows you feel people are criticizing you, even if they are not
n
the position of defending against attack in a sport or game
Morpheme Breakdown
de
fens
ive
de
away, off
fens
to strike
ive
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word "defensive" originates from the medieval latin term defensivus, which itself is built upon the classical latin verb defendere. this verb is a compound of the prefix de-, meaning "away, off," and the root -fendere, meaning "to strike." the literal sense is "to strike away" or "to ward off a blow." over time, the meaning evolved from the physical act of repelling an attack to encompass psychological and strategic postures. the suffix -ivus (english -ive) was added to form an adjective describing the quality of being protective or serving to defend. thus, the modern abstract meanings—from a military stance to a sensitive reaction to criticism—logically extend from this core concept of warding something off.
Analysis
Structure: de (away, off) + fens (to strike) + ive (adjective suffix)
- de: a latin prefix meaning "away, off, down, completely." in this context, it conveys the sense of "warding off."
- fens: derived from the latin verb fendere, meaning "to strike, hit." it is a variant spelling of the root found in "fend" and is related to defendere.
- ive: a latin-derived suffix used to form adjectives meaning "having the nature or quality of; tending to."
Examples
the team adopted a defensive strategy after taking an early lead.
she became defensive when asked about the project's delay.
his strong defensive skills earned him the player of the match award.