What does "defensive" mean?

1. (protective) used to protect someone or something from being attacked. 2. (oversensitive to criticism) behaving as if you expect people to criticize you, often getting angry or upset quickly. 3. (sports/strategy) relating to the part of a game where you try to stop the other team from scoring. 4. (a state of defense) a position or attitude where you are ready to defend yourself.

How do you use "defensive"?

Usually appears in the prepositional phrase 'on the defensive'.

defensive

adj. · n.

US //dɪˈfɛnsɪv// UK //dɪfˈɛnsɪv// de·fen·sive

1 protective (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

used to protect someone or something from being attacked.

intended for defense or protection against external aggression or harm.

Example

The city built a defensive wall to protect the citizens from invaders.

Example

The military alliance established a defensive perimeter around the border to deter any potential incursions from neighboring territories.
- offensive
- aggressive
2 oversensitive to criticism (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

behaving as if you expect people to criticize you, often getting angry or upset quickly.

displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or perceived intrusion; characterized by a reactive or self-justifying posture.

Example

Don't get so defensive; I was only trying to help you with your work.

Example

The manager became increasingly defensive during the meeting, interpreting every suggestion for improvement as a personal attack on his leadership.
- sensitive
- prickly
- thin skinned
- open
- receptive

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3 sports/strategy (adj.)
B1 Intermediate Sport

relating to the part of a game where you try to stop the other team from scoring.

pertaining to the prevention of scoring by an opponent; characterized by risk-aversion or protective positioning.

Example

The team played a defensive game because they wanted to keep their lead.

Example

The coach opted for a defensive formation in the second half, prioritizing a clean sheet over the risk of conceding on a counter-attack.
- preventative
- safe
- attacking
- offensive
4 a state of defense (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

a position or attitude where you are ready to defend yourself.

a state, posture, or attitude of defense; most commonly used in the phrase 'on the defensive'.

Example

The lawyer's difficult questions put the witness on the defensive.

Example

The company was forced onto the defensive after the investigative report revealed significant flaws in their safety protocols.

Usage

Usually appears in the prepositional phrase 'on the defensive'.
- resistance
- guard

Origin

From Middle French défensif. Morphologically defense + -ive.

Word family

Adjectivedefensive
Adverbdefensively