Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɛnsɪv/
adjective used to describe someone or something that is intended to defend against attack or criticism
A1 She felt defensive when her friend criticized her cooking.
A2 The dog barked in a defensive manner when a stranger approached.
B1 The team played a defensive game to protect their lead.
B2 The company took a defensive stance in response to the competitor's aggressive marketing tactics.
C1 The politician became defensive when questioned about his controversial policies.
C2 The lawyer's defensive strategy helped win the case for her client.
formal The defensive strategy implemented by the team proved to be effective in preventing the opponent from scoring.
informal She always gets defensive whenever someone criticizes her work.
slang Why are you being so defensive about it? Chill out.
figurative His defensive walls were up, making it hard for anyone to get through to him emotionally.
defended
defensives
more defensive
most defensive
defends
will defend
have defended
is defending
defensive
defensive
to defend
defending
defended