de
fen
sive
Comparative
more defensive
Superlative
most defensive
1
designed or used in a way that provides a person or thing with protection against attack
- The soldiers erected defensive barriers to fortify their position against enemy advances.
- She took a defensive stance, ready to protect herself if the situation escalated.
- The defensive strategy focused on preventing the opponent from scoring any goals.
- The castle was equipped with defensive mechanisms such as drawbridges and thick stone walls.
- He wore a helmet and armor as part of his defensive gear during the jousting tournament.
Antonyms:
2
showing or expressing the need to justify or protect oneself, especially in response to criticism
- She became defensive when asked about her performance.
- His defensive tone suggested guilt more than confidence.
- There's no need to get defensive—I was only asking a question.
- He grew defensive the moment his plan was challenged.
- Her defensive reaction revealed how sensitive the topic was.
Synonyms: