The meaning of DEFENSIVE is serving to defend or protect. How to use defensive in a sentence.

The reporter often asks questions that put/place people on the defensive. He found himself on the defensive when the subject of the environment was discussed. The company is now on the …

If someone is defensive, the person feels criticized and quickly tries to explain:

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 …

1. serving or done for the purpose of resisting attack. 2. of or pertaining to defense. 3. sensitive to the threat of criticism or injury to one's ego. n. 4. a position or attitude of defense: on the defensive about …

There are 17 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word defensive, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

DEFENSIVE definition: serving to defend; protective. See examples of defensive used in a sentence.

Definition of defensive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

When a person is acting defensive, they're trying to protect or justify themselves. People who are insecure or guilty tend to act defensive. Also, defensive players in football try to prevent the other …

DEFENSIVE definition: 1. quick to protect yourself from being criticized: 2. A defensive player in a sports team tries…. Learn more.