defensive
adjective
uk/dɪˈfen.sɪv/us/dɪˈfen.sɪv/defensiveadjective(PROTECTING)
used toprotectsomeone or something againstattack:
防御性的，防卫性的These arepurelydefensiveweapons, notdesignedforattack.这些是纯粹的防御性武器，并不是用来进攻的。
Opposite
offensive(ATTACKING)
- Researchinvolvingthe use ofbiologicalwarfareagentswill be used for defensivepurposes.
- Themeresthintofcriticismmakes him defensive.
- Thetoneof thefeministspeakerssuggestedthey wereadoptingaratherdefensiveposture.
- Some of thetunnelsin thecliffarenatural, some werecarvedout bysoldiersfor defensivepurposes.
- Theanti-personnelmineswerelaidaround thetownas a defensivemeasure.
Defending and protecting
- anti-bug
- anti-mosquito
- baby
- bandobast
- bastion
- buffer
- defence
- defend
- harbour
- harm
- have (got)someone'sbackidiom
- hold off
- inoculation
- killsomeonewith kindnessidiom
- sheltered
- shield
- splashproof
- takesomeoneunderyourwingidiom
- watchyourbackidiom
- wing
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Responding to an attack
Arms & munitions in general
defensiveadjective(SENSITIVE)
C2
tooquicktoprotectyourself from beingcriticized:
自卫的；戒备的，怀有戒心的Whenaskedabout hisdecision, he got very defensive.当被问及他的决定时，他表现得戒备心很强。
There's no need to get so defensive!完全没有必要如此有戒心。
Answering & responding
- acknowledgment
- affirmative
- affirmatively
- answer
- answer (someone) back
- clap
- clap back
- clapback
- counter
- counterattack
- cricketsidiom
- defensively
- field
- give
- non-response
- non-responsive
- respondent
- RSVP
- thank you
- whataboutism
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Denying & contradicting
defensiveadjective(IN SPORT)
in asportsevent,tryingtopreventtheopposingplayerorplayersfromscoringpoints,goals, etc.:
（比赛中）防守性的，防守的He'scurrentlythebestdefensiveplayeron theteam.他目前是队里最好的防守队员。
Sports & games generally
- battleship
- board sport
- buildering
- choose
- choose up sb/sth
- classic
- contact sport
- cross-country
- defensively
- game
- high jinks
- multi-sport
- parasport
- parkour
- pickup
- pre-game
- snooker
- sport
- the first person
- TTRPG
defensive
noun
uk/dɪˈfen.sɪv/us/dɪˈfen.sɪv/on the defensive
readytoprotectyourself because you areexpectingto becriticizedorattacked:
处于防卫状态，处于戒备状态Thegovernmenthas been put on the defensive,accusedbycriticsof doing too little too late.