defensive maneuvers
Moves avoiding harm
Defensive maneuvers are actions taken to protect oneself or avoid harm—physical movements in combat or sports, strategic repositioning in military contexts, or figurative tactics to deflect criticism or avoid difficult situations.
The boxer's defensive maneuvers kept him out of range.
Her defensive maneuvers in the meeting redirected blame to other departments.
- parryingDeflecting an attack
- deflectionChange in trajectory
- bob and weaveEvasive fighting movement
- coverProtect by overlaying
- duck and coverEmergency protective posture
retreat · block · guard · evasion · sidestep · shielding · fortification · circle the wagons · avoidance · tactical retreat · fall back · zoning · feint · play possum · damage control · situational awareness · disarming · compartmentalization
defensive maneuversoffensive maneuvers
Aggressive tactical actions
attack · assault · offensive operations · aggression · strike
defensive maneuversstanding ground
Refusing to yield position
passive resistance · immobility · entrenchment · inaction · surrender