German Conversation · Level 16
88 words
German word
Defensive
Pronunciation
IPA/deːfɛnˈziːvə/
Meaning
- feminine noundefensive
Example
Nach dem Fehler geriet die Mannschaft in die Defensive.
After the mistake, the team went on the defensive.
More examples
In der Diskussion schaltete er sofort in die Defensive.
In the discussion, he immediately shifted to the defensive.
Core concept
A team under pressure stops pushing forward and forms a shield, giving priority to blocking threats and limiting damage.
Common phrases
sich in die Defensive begeben
go into a defensive position
auf die Defensive umschalten
shift to the defensive
Similar words
Verteidigung: Planned methods for defending against an opposing side.
Abwehr: Physical efforts and duties involved in holding off an attack.
Angriff: Offensive actions directed at an opponent to seek points or an advantage.
Definition in German
Defensive bezeichnet eine taktische Haltung oder einen Zustand, in dem Abwehr, Schutz und Schadensbegrenzung Vorrang haben.
Word origin
German Defensive was borrowed from French défensive, the feminine substantivized form of défensif, ultimately related to Latin defendere, meaning 'to ward off'.
Usage tips
- Defensive is feminine: die Defensive takes accusative after in die Defensive and dative after in der Defensive.