defensive

• Beschreibt jemanden oder etwas, das vor Angriff oder Kritik schützt oder sich verteidigt; im Sport oder Militär die Abwehr betreffend.

Used to describe someone or something that protects against attack or criticism.

1. Protective or guardingB2formal

   Intended to protect someone or something from attack or criticism.

   Verteidigend

   • The army took a defensive position near the border.
   • She made a defensive remark to protect her reputation.
   • The company adopted a defensive strategy against competitors.

   Synonymeprotectiveshieldedwarywatchful

   Antonymeaggressiveoffensive

2. Sensitive to criticismB2informal

   Behaving in a way that shows you feel criticized or threatened, often by reacting strongly.

   Abwehrhaltung zeigend

   • He gets defensive whenever someone mentions his mistakes.
   • She became defensive when asked about her decision.
   • Try not to be so defensive; I'm just trying to help.

   Synonymeguardedinsecureoversensitivepricklythin-skinnedtouchy

   Antonymeconfidentopenreceptivesecurethick-skinned

3. Sports: preventing scoringB1formalsport

   Relating to the part of a team that tries to prevent the opponent from scoring.

   Defensiv

   • The team's defensive line was strong today.
   • He plays a defensive position in basketball.
   • Their defensive strategy kept the other team from scoring.

   Synonymedefendingpreventiveprotective

   Antonymeoffensive

• Substantiv, das eine Haltung, Strategie oder Position bezeichnet, die auf Verteidigung, Abwehr oder Schutz gegen Angriff oder Kritik ausgerichtet ist.

A noun referring to a position, strategy, or attitude aimed at protecting, resisting, or guarding against attack or criticism.

unzählbar

1. Defensive position or strategyB2formal

   A stance or strategy aimed at protecting oneself or one's team from attack or criticism.

   Defensive

   • The team played on the defensive for most of the match.
   • He immediately went on the defensive when questioned about his decision.
   • The company took a defensive approach to the market changes.

   Synonymecoverdefenseguardprotectionresistancesafeguardshield

   Antonymeattackoffensive