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

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

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 one's mistakes.

Master the word "DEFENSIVE" in English: definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource.

Mar 3, 2025 · When it comes to "defencive" versus "defensive," you might feel unsure. So, which one is correct? The right way to spell it is defensive. This is the form you’ll see in dictionaries …

Sep 22, 2025 · defensive (comparative more defensive, superlative most defensive) Intended for defence; protective.

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 …

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.

We have taken many defensive measures [=we have done things to protect ourselves] against terrorist attacks. I was surprised by his defensive reaction to my suggestion. There's no need …

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