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:

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 …

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

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 definition: Of or relating to defense.

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, to be in …

When a person is acting defensive, they're trying to protect or justify themselves. People who are insecure or guilty tend to act defensive. Also, defensive players in football try to prevent the other …