# defensive

/dɪˈfɛnsɪv/ (US) · /dɪfˈɛnsɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/defensive
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. protective

adjective · CEFR B1

used to protect someone or something from being attacked.

For teachers: intended for defense or protection against external aggression or harm.

- The city built a defensive wall to protect the citizens from invaders.
- The military alliance established a defensive perimeter around the border to deter any potential incursions from neighboring territories.

### 2. oversensitive to criticism

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- Don't get so defensive; I was only trying to help you with your work.
- The manager became increasingly defensive during the meeting, interpreting every suggestion for improvement as a personal attack on his leadership.

### 3. sports/strategy

adjective · CEFR B1

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

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

- The team played a defensive game because they wanted to keep their lead.
- The coach opted for a defensive formation in the second half, prioritizing a clean sheet over the risk of conceding on a counter-attack.

### 4. a state of defense

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

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

## Examples

- The team stayed on the defensive for most of the game.
- When the reporter asked about the missing funds, the politician immediately went on the defensive and stopped answering questions.
- The military commander decided to maintain a strong defensive along the river, choosing to wait for reinforcements rather than risking an open-field engagement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.