defensive
/dɪˈfɛnsɪv/
noun
- A position or attitude of defense, especially in sports.
- The team played on the defensive for most of the game.
- The coach put the players on the defensive to protect the lead.
- They were forced onto the defensive after the early goal.
adjective
- Used or intended to protect someone or something from attack or harm.
- The army built defensive walls around the city.
- The car has defensive features like airbags and reinforced doors.
- She took a defensive stance to block the punch.
- Behaving in a way that shows you feel criticized or threatened, often by denying or justifying your actions.
- There's no need to be defensive; I'm just trying to help.
- Her defensive tone made the conversation difficult.
- He got defensive when his boss questioned his work.
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