defensive
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.used to protect someone or something from being attacked.
adj.intended for defense or protection against external aggression or harm.
Simple“The city built a defensive wall to protect the citizens from invaders.”
In context“The military alliance established a defensive perimeter around the border to deter any potential incursions from neighboring territories.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.behaving as if you expect people to criticize you, often getting angry or upset quickly.
adj.displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or perceived intrusion; characterized by a reactive or self-justifying posture.
Simple“Don't get so defensive; I was only trying to help you with your work.”
In context“The manager became increasingly defensive during the meeting, interpreting every suggestion for improvement as a personal attack on his leadership.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
adj.relating to the part of a game where you try to stop the other team from scoring.
adj.pertaining to the prevention of scoring by an opponent; characterized by risk-aversion or protective positioning.
Simple“The team played a defensive game because they wanted to keep their lead.”
In context“The coach opted for a defensive formation in the second half, prioritizing a clean sheet over the risk of conceding on a counter-attack.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.a position or attitude where you are ready to defend yourself.
n.a state, posture, or attitude of defense; most commonly used in the phrase 'on the defensive'.
Simple“The lawyer's difficult questions put the witness on the defensive.”
In context“The company was forced onto the defensive after the investigative report revealed significant flaws in their safety protocols.”
UsageUsually appears in the prepositional phrase 'on the defensive'.
Synonyms
Usage defensive midfielder
“Anderson, like Fernandez, has played in various midfield positions - defensive and further forward.”
“The overnight drone activity also prompted defensive measures elsewhere in the Baltic region.”
From Middle French défensif. Morphologically defense + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.