defensive

[[t]dɪfe̱nsɪv[/t]]

1) ADJ: usu ADJ n You use defensive to describe things that are intended to protect someone or something.

The Government hastily organized defensive measures, deploying searchlights and anti-aircraft guns around the target cities...

The union leaders were pushed into a more defensive position by the return of a Republican Congress in November.

2) ADJ-GRADED 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.

She heard the blustering, defensive note in his voice and knew that he was ashamed.

Derived words:

defensively ADV-GRADED

`Oh, I know, I know,' said Kate, defensively.

defensiveness N-UNCOUNT

It's just our national defensiveness. We're always worried about what people will think of us.

3) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, PHR after v If someone is on the defensive, they are trying to protect themselves or their interests because they feel unsure or threatened.

The civil service is on the defensive, scorned by people impatient of red tape and regulations...

He smiled, not wanting to put the man on the defensive.

4) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n 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.

Ant:

attacking

Derived words:

defensively ADV-GRADED ADV after v

Mexico did it not by playing defensively. They did it with exciting, flowing, attacking football.