defensive structure
1
3.9
- noun
- Unfortunately, he does not have the lateral quickness to recover when the opposing screener rolls or slips the screen, forcing a rotation from the baseline that essentially breaks down the entire Maverick defensive structure.
Examples
-
This bunker is a modern defensive structure designed to withstand any potential assaults.
-
In the late 14th century, Romrod was sold to the dukes of the state of Hessen, who over time tore down the old stone defensive structure and replaced it with the lavish edifice that stands today.
Academic text (2008) -
These defensive structures were built between A.D. 1200 and 1300, a period of climate change that put severe stress on the Anasazi population and may have sparked a resumption of warfare as a means of securing food.
Academic text (2003) -
He found no defensive structures or obvious weapons, suggesting villagers led a peaceful life (though he did find signs that they took precautions to protect their finest pottery against petty theft).
Academic text (2009) -
The ancient castle served as a formidable defensive structure during the siege, protecting its inhabitants from attackers.
-
During the war, the military built a series of defensive structures to shield the town from enemy fire.
Synonyms
113
4.4
A large strong building or group of buildings to protect people from attack
71
4.8
A barrier put up to block a road or entrance
29
3.4
A strong place often underground where people stay to be safe from bombs
19
7.7
A strong fortress near a city where people shelter during war
12
6.6
A wall or earth mound built to protect a place from attack
11
8.6
A strong wall built to protect a place like a city or ship
7
3.3
A wall or barrier that protects against attack
3
8.3
A strong part of a fort that sticks out for protection
2
8.5
A small strong building with thick walls and openings for firing guns
1
9.9
An extra wall inside a fort to help defenders if outer walls fail
1
4.8
A very strong room or building that protects people from bomb explosions
1
9.9
A defensive position where soldiers stand behind trenches during war
1
9.9
A low wall or bank of earth built to protect a camp
A large fort built to defend a place
A steep slope in front of a fort made by people that protects it from attack
How Defensive
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'defensive' denotes serving to defend and 'structure' denotes a constructed building, so together they clearly refer to a building or construction intended for defense. This adjective+noun pattern is cross-linguistically common and follows standard English composition, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the meaning.
Etymology
Defensive structure comes from the clear picture of a structure made to be defensive: think of thick walls and high towers where people take cover from arrows or soldiers during an attack. That's why the phrase means 'a building or construction that protects against attack'.