Defensive

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.