defensive

• Se dit de quelqu'un ou de quelque chose qui protège contre une attaque ou une critique, ou qui exprime une attitude de protection ou de justification.

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.

   défensif (protecteur)

   • 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.

   Synonymesprotectiveshieldedwarywatchful

   Antonymesaggressiveoffensive

2. Sensitive to criticismB2informal

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

   Sur la défensive

   • 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.

   Synonymesguardedinsecureoversensitivepricklythin-skinnedtouchy

   Antonymesconfidentopenreceptivesecurethick-skinned

3. Sports: preventing scoringB1formalsport

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

   Défensif (sports)

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

   Synonymesdefendingpreventiveprotective

   Antonymesoffensive

• Nom désignant une position, une stratégie ou une attitude visant à se protéger, résister ou se défendre contre une attaque ou des critiques.

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

indénombrable

1. Defensive position or strategyB2formal

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

   Position ou stratégie défensive

   • 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.

   Synonymescoverdefenseguardprotectionresistancesafeguardshield

   Antonymesattackoffensive