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

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

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

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 defensive about …

Definition of defensive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 14, 2025 · Adjective defensive (comparative more defensive, superlative most defensive) Intended for defence; protective.

Defensive refers to any action, behavior, state, strategy, or mechanism intended to protect or prevent harm, injury, or attack. It typically involves measures or tactics used to guard against something …

Defensive definition: Of or relating to defense.

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, to be in …

Definition of defensive. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.