/ dɪˈfensɪv; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
protecting sb/sth against attack :
a defensive measure
Troops took up a defensive position around the town.
—compare offensive
2.
behaving in a way that shows that you feel that people are criticizing you :
Don't ask him about his plans—he just gets defensive.
3.
( sport ) connected with trying to prevent the other team or player from scoring points or goals :
defensive play
—compare offensive
► de·fen·sive·ly adverb
► de·fen·sive·ness noun [ U ]
■ noun
•
IDIOMS
- on / onto the defensive
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French défensif , -ive , from medieval Latin defensivus , from Latin defens- warded off, from the verb defendere , from de- off + -fendere to strike.