defensive

US /dɪˈfen.sɪv/

UK /dɪˈfen.sɪv/

1.

used or intended to protect someone or something from attack

:

•

The team played a strong defensive game.

•

They built a defensive wall around the city.

:

protective guarding shielding

:

offensive attacking

2.

very anxious to protect what you believe is right and to make sure that no one criticizes you

:

•

He became very defensive when I questioned his decision.

•

Don't be so defensive; I'm just trying to help.

:

guarded protective sensitive touchy

:

open receptive

:

defense defensible zone defense defensive tackle defensive back defensive end defense mechanism