defensive

Quick to explain or argue that you are right because you feel criticized.

• Do not get defensive.
• She sounded defensive when I questioned her decision.
• Why are you so defensive about your work?

How to use it: defensive about something (He gets defensive about his cooking.)

Similar words: self-justifying

Common phrases: get defensive, defensive about something, a defensive attitude

Designed or used to protect someone or something from attack.

• The troops took defensive positions.
• They built defensive walls around the town.
• The country says these weapons serve a defensive purpose.

Similar words: protective

Opposites: offensive

Common phrases: defensive position, defensive weapons, defensive strategy, defensive wound

Trying to stop the other team from scoring in a sport.

• She is a good defensive player.
• Our team needs stronger defensive skills.
• His defensive tackle prevented another goal.

Opposites: offensive, attacking

Common phrases: defensive player, defensive skills, defensive play

Done carefully to avoid danger, loss, or other risks.

• She teaches defensive driving.
• They adopted a defensive investment strategy.
• A defensive approach helped the company avoid heavy losses.

Similar words: cautious, careful

Opposites: reckless

Common phrases: defensive driving, defensive investment, defensive strategy