defense / defensive
die Defensive, die Defensiven
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defense
Defense in sports or military combat; a style of play or approach primarily intended to repel attacks from an opponent.
Nach der frühen Führung konzentrierte sich die Mannschaft auf die Defensive.
After taking an early lead, the team focused on defense.
on the defensive
An attitude or situation in which someone mainly reacts to others and has to defend their own position against criticism or pressure.
Durch die Enthüllungen über illegale Spenden geriet die Partei in die Defensive.
The party went on the defensive after revelations about illegal donations.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Defensiven |
| genitive | der Defensive |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Defensive | die Defensiven |
| accusative | die Defensive | die Defensiven |
| dative | der Defensive | den Defensiven |
| genitive | der Defensive | der Defensiven |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
In a sports or military context, words such as „Mannschaft“ (team) or „Angriff“ (attack) point to the meaning „Verteidigung“ (defense); when criticism, accusations, or political pressure are involved, „die Defensive“ (being on the defensive) is usually meant figuratively.
Nach den schweren Vorwürfen sah sich der Minister in der Defensive.
After the serious accusations, the minister found himself on the defensive.
Die Mannschaft blieb auch nach dem Platzverweis in der Defensive.
The team remained on the defensive even after the sending-off.
In sports, „die Defensive“ (defense) frequently occurs with verbs such as „stärken“ (to strengthen), „stabilisieren“ (to stabilize), and „überwinden“ (to overcome). The phrase „aus einer stabilen Defensive heraus spielen“ (to play from a solid defensive position) is also common.
Der neue Trainer will die Defensive vor dem nächsten Spiel stabilisieren.
The new coach wants to stabilize the defense before the next game.
For the figurative meaning, the expressions „in die Defensive geraten“ (to go on the defensive), „jemanden in die Defensive drängen“ (to put someone on the defensive), and „sich in der Defensive befinden“ (to be on the defensive) are especially common.
Die kritischen Fragen drängten die Sprecherin in die Defensive.
The critical questions put the spokesperson on the defensive.
