Words / B1

di-FENS-iv/dɪˈfensɪv/

Defensive means used for protection: a defensive wall; defensive driving. It also describes a person who treats questions as attacks (get defensive). Offensive is a common opposite in sport and war. Defence is the noun. Do not call a careful answer defensive unless the person is over-protecting themselves.

Meaning

Used to protect against attack; also too ready to feel criticised.

Examples

• “The club sat in a defensive shape after the red card.”
• “He became defensive when the auditor asked about receipts.”

Good to know

a defensive strategy / wall. Person: get defensive. Opposite (sport/war): offensive. Noun: defence. Driving: defensive driving.

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