1.
You use defensive to describe things that are intended to protect someone or something.
The Government hastily organized defensive measures against the raids...
ADJ: usu ADJ n
2.
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.
ADJ
• defensively
'Oh, I know, I know,' said Kate, defensively.
ADV
• defensiveness
He felt a certain defensiveness about his position.
N-UNCOUNT
3.
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...
PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, PHR after v
4.
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
ADJ: usu ADJ n
• defensively
Mexico did not play defensively.
ADV: ADV after v