defensivelyadv.
/dᵻˈfɛnsᵻvli/, U.S. /dəˈfɛnsᵻvli/, /diˈfɛnsᵻvli/ 1. In a manner that defends against attack or assault; by way of defence.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > [adverb]
defensively1560
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries vii. f. xcvij They deuise a league, not offensiuely but defensiuely [L. sui defendendi causa].
1625 W. Morrell New-Eng. 25 All their Forces in few houres readie in Armes, either offensiuely to pursue, or defensiuely to subsist.
1670 J. Milton Hist. Brit. ii. 63 Camalodunum, where the Romans had seated themselves to dwell pleasantly, rather then defensively, was not fortifi'd.
1722 P. Aubin Lucinda 74 Being well armed, both offensively and defensively, he had not much Occasion to fear.
1793 St. James's Chron. 12 Sept. You are, defensively, never to suffer a repulse.
1845 Colburn's United Service Mag. July 418 Every precaution had been taken to enable them to act, at least defensively, until succour could arrive.
1891 G. Meredith One of our Conquerors III. vi. 108 The young..have either emotion or imagination to fold them defensively from an enemy world.
1943 Hutchinson's Pict. Hist. War 27 Oct. 266 (caption) Defensively equipped merchant ship gunners..taking a refresher course.
2016 Central Western Daily (Austral.) (Nexis) 15 Feb. Snakes react defensively and viciously if surprised.
2. Games and Sport. In a manner that seeks to deny the opponent or opposing team opportunities to gain or advance; (also) in or as regards a team's defence.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of play, actions, or postures > [adverb]
defensively1777
foul1833
long1839
scratchily1927
unplayably1955
1777 ‘A. D. Philidor’ Anal. Game of Chess (new ed.) 293 Whoever acts defensively must always bring his king over-against his adversary's pawn.
1844 E. R. Mardon Billiards 14 My game, though difficult to beat by those who will not condescend to play defensively, would nevertheless be termed..a ‘Pottering game’.
1896 Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) 26 Nov. 5/5 Both elevens were weak defensively.
1948 Daily Ardmoreite (Ardmore, Okla.) 30 Mar. 6/4 If the Boston Braves win.., they will do it without an outfield which is particularly strong defensively.
1989 L. Holtz & J. Heisler Fighting Spirit (1990) xl. 471 One of our biggest concerns defensively is getting some kind of consistent pass rush.
2014 Wire (Nexis) 15 Apr. The Kings are a talented team who play well offensively and defensively.
3. In a manner characterized by the defence of one's actions or feelings, or by the rejection of criticism. See defensive adj. 7.
ΚΠ
1804 W. Austin Lett. from London viii. 46 They are rather defensively, than offensively, proud.
1884 Mrs. Oliphant in Blackwood's Mag. Jan. 5/2 Lady Mary put up her hand defensively, with a laugh.
1925 Woman's World (Chicago) Apr. 9/2 Charity lifted her head defensively and caught her father's gaze upon her.
1970 Eval. Utilization Human Blood Resources (National Acad. Sci.-National Res. Council (U.S.)) 32 Agencies..might be expected to respond defensively to any suggestion that they are not now serving the public interest.
2014 Times of India (Nexis) 9 Dec. ‘I stay in shape,’ he said defensively.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adv.1560