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defenestrate
defense
defense mechanism
defense-minded
defenseless
defenseman
defensible
defensin
defensive
defensive back
defensive medicine
defensive security
defensive zone
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defer (1)
defer (2)
deference
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defensive

de·fen·sive [ di fénssiv ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. quick to justify: aiming to deflect or avoid perceived criticism

2. serving to protect: designed for protection or defense

3. favoring defense as playing strategy: concentrating more on preventing an opponent from gaining an advantage than on scoring

4. of defense team: relating to the team that plays defense, especially in football


de·fen·sive·ness noun

on the defensive 

1. 
expecting criticism or aggression and prepared to respond
 

2. 
having assumed a position that indicates readiness to play defensively


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