an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive') intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack; "defensive weapons"; "a defensive stance"
In sports, defensive play is play that is intended to prevent your opponent from scoring goals or points against you. I'd always played a defensive game, waiting for my opponent to make a mistake. attacking + defensively de·fen·sive·ly Mexico did not play defensively
intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack; "defensive weapons"; "a defensive stance"
attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing serving as or appropriate for defending or protecting; "defensive fortifications"; "defensive dikes to protect against floods
You use defensive to describe things that are intended to protect someone or something. The Government hastily organized defensive measures against the raids
If someone is on the defensive, they are trying to protect themselves or their interests because they feel unsure or threatened. Accusations are likely to put the other person on the defensive
Carried on by resisting attack or aggression; opposed to offensive; as, defensive war
Someone who is defensive is behaving in a way that shows they feel unsure or threatened. Like their children, parents are often defensive about their private lives. + defensively de·fen·sive·ly `Oh, I know, I know,' said Kate, defensively. + defensiveness de·fen·sive·ness He felt a certain defensiveness about his position