اكتب أي كلمة!

Defensive Meaning in English

word

/dɪˈfɛnsɪv/
di-FEN-siv
/dɪfˈɛnsɪv/
di-FEN-siv

التعريف

Being protective against possible attack or criticism, or related to defense. It can describe physical protection, like a defensive wall, or a person's attitude when they feel criticized.

الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة

Often describes sports tactics ('defensive strategy'), but also a person's behavior if they feel attacked ('get defensive'). Being 'defensive' emotionally is mildly negative, suggesting sensitivity or overreaction to criticism.

جمل نموذجية

The team's defensive players stopped the goal.

basic

He gave a defensive answer to the question.

basic

She built a defensive wall around her garden.

basic

You don't have to be so defensive—I'm just trying to help.

natural

After the criticism, he got really defensive in the meeting.

natural

They switched to a defensive strategy to protect their lead.

natural