Relating to or serving to protect against or guard from potential harm, criticism, or attack; characterized by a tendency to respond to threats rather than initiate action. In psychological contexts, it describes behavior aimed at defending oneself from perceived criticism or emotional attack, often leading to a lack of openness or vulnerability.
Defensive meaning with examples
- During the meeting, his defensive posture suggested he was preparing for criticism rather than engaging in a constructive discussion, causing others to feel uneasy about sharing their thoughts openly.
- The team's defensive strategy focused on minimizing risks, ensuring that every player understood their role in preventing the opposing team from scoring, which ultimately led to a strong performance.
- Her defensive mode kicked in when she heard the feedback about her presentation, prompting her to rationalize her choices rather than entertain the possibility of making revisions to improve it.
- In sports, a defensive player must anticipate the opponent's moves and react swiftly, embodying the principles of strategy and positioning to thwart any attempts to advance.
- After several years of criticism, the politician became increasingly defensive in interviews, often deflecting questions and failing to acknowledge any of the doubts raised about his policies.
Defensive Synonyms
alert cautious closed defensive-minded deflective guarded preservative preventive protective prudent reactive resistant safeguarding self-protective shielding strategic vigilant watchful withdrawnDefensive Antonyms
aggressive approachable attacking audacious bold carefree confident dangerous exposed fearless fighting gullible insecure inviting offensive open receptive risk-taking trusting unprotectedDefensive Crossword Answers
3 Letters
END
10 Letters
PROTECTIVE PROTECTING
13 Letters
ONTHEBACKFOOT JUSTIFICATIVE JUSTIFICATORY
17 Letters
DEFENSIVEATTITUDE