Defensive tactics in badminton. Definition of defensive. She heard the blustering, defensive note in his voice and knew that he was ashamed. a position or attitude of defense: on the defensive about one's mistakes. Defensive definition: Of or relating to defense. How to use defensive in a sentence. of or pertaining to defense. If someone is defensive, the person feels criticized and quickly tries to explain: DEFENSIVE definition: serving to defend; protective. Also, defensive players in football try to prevent the other side from scoring, just like defensive military strategies try to protect something. Like their children, parents are often defensive about their private lives. People who are insecure or guilty tend to act defensive. [before a noun] of or relating to defense: defensive weapons. The meaning of DEFENSIVE is serving to defend or protect. 3. 1. See examples of defensive used in a sentence. It typically involves measures or tactics used to guard against something undesirable or to shield oneself or something else from criticism, damage, or hostility. de•fen′sive•ness, n. n. 4. The meaning of DEFENSIVE is serving to defend or protect. sensitive to the threat of criticism or injury to one's ego. serving or done for the purpose of resisting attack. . When a person is acting defensive, they're trying to protect or justify themselves. See -fend-. de•fen•sive /dɪˈfɛnsɪv/ adj. Someone who is defensive is behaving in a way that shows they feel unsure or threatened. [uncountable] on the defensive, to be in a position or attitude of defense; to be sensitive to criticism. Defensive refers to any action, behavior, state, strategy, or mechanism intended to protect or prevent harm, injury, or attack. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels. 2. Psychology sensitive to criticism: There's no need to be so defensive. dhxw pwedg loq zvvtfc zdul zyz wgrafc ujlmmh skn pqrx