defensive

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective 1 protecting sb/sth against attack: a defensive measure * Troops are taking up a defensive position around the town. compareOFFENSIVE 2 behaving in a way that shows that you feel that people are criticizing you: Don't ask him about his plans-he just gets defensive. 3 (sport) connected with trying to prevent the other team or player from scoring points or goals: defensive play compareOFFENSIVE defensively adverb defensiveness noun [U] noun IDIOMS on / onto the defensive acting in a way that shows that you expect to be attacked or criticized; having to defend yourself: Their questions about the money put her on the defensive. * Warnings of an enemy attack forced the troops onto the defensive.