defensive

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de|fen|sive /dɪf'ensɪv/
1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
You use defensive to describe things that are intended to protect someone or something.
The Government hastily organized defensive measures against the raids...
2 [ADJ]
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.
● defensively [ADV]
`Oh, I know, I know,' said Kate, defensively.
● defensiveness [N-UNCOUNT]
He felt a certain defensiveness about his position.
3 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR, PHR after v
If someone is on the defensive, they are trying to protect themselves or their interests because they feel unsure or threatened.
Accusations are likely to put the other person on the defensive...
4 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
In sports, defensive play is play that is intended to prevent your opponent from scoring goals or points against you.
I'd always played a defensive game, waiting for my opponent to make a mistake.
≠ attacking
● defensively [ADV] ADV after v
Mexico did not play defensively.

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