1de·fen·sive 
/dɪˈfɛnsɪv/ adjective
/dɪˈfɛnsɪv/ adjective 1 always used before a noun : defending or protecting someone or something from attack : helping to keep a person or thing safe
▪ The city began building a defensive wall around its borders. ▪ The government decided to join a defensive alliance with several other nations. ▪ Defensive driving classes [=classes that teach you how to be a safe driver] can help you avoid accidents. ▪ We have taken many defensive measures [=we have done things to protect ourselves] against terrorist attacks. ▪ defensive actions — compare 1offensive 4 2 [more defensive; most defensive] : behaving in a way that shows that you feel people are criticizing you
▪ I was surprised by his defensive reaction to my suggestion. ▪ defensive behaviors/attitudes ▪ There's no need to get so defensive. I was only making a suggestion. ▪ When we asked her about the mistakes, she became defensive. — often + about ▪ He can be a bit defensive about his work as an artist. 3 always used before a noun, sports : of or relating to the way that players try to stop an opponent from scoring in a game or contest
▪ The coach has a strong defensive strategy. ▪ a defensive player/lineman — compare 1offensive 3
▪ The city began building a defensive wall around its borders. ▪ The government decided to join a defensive alliance with several other nations. ▪ Defensive driving classes [=classes that teach you how to be a safe driver] can help you avoid accidents. ▪ We have taken many defensive measures [=we have done things to protect ourselves] against terrorist attacks. ▪ defensive actions — compare 1offensive 4
▪ I was surprised by his defensive reaction to my suggestion. ▪ defensive behaviors/attitudes ▪ There's no need to get so defensive. I was only making a suggestion. ▪ When we asked her about the mistakes, she became defensive. — often + about ▪ He can be a bit defensive about his work as an artist.
▪ The coach has a strong defensive strategy. ▪ a defensive player/lineman — compare 1offensive 3
— de·fen·sive·ly adverb
▪ “It wasn't my fault,” she said defensively. ▪ The team needs to improve its game defensively. [=it needs to make its defense better]
▪ “It wasn't my fault,” she said defensively. ▪ The team needs to improve its game defensively. [=it needs to make its defense better]
— de·fen·sive·ness noun [noncount]
▪ There was a bit of defensiveness in his answer.
▪ There was a bit of defensiveness in his answer.
