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:

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 …

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 …

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.

de•fen•sive /dɪˈfɛnsɪv/ adj. [before a noun] of or relating to defense: defensive weapons. Psychology sensitive to criticism: There's no need to be so defensive. n. [uncountable] on the …

Defensive is an adjective describing an attitude or behavior aimed at protecting oneself from criticism, harm, or attack. It often implies a reactive stance where actions are taken to guard …