The meaning of DEFENSIVE is serving to defend or protect. How to use defensive in a sentence.

If someone is defensive, the person feels criticized and quickly tries to explain:

DEFENSIVE definition: serving to defend; protective. See examples of defensive used in a sentence.

1. serving or done for the purpose of resisting attack. 2. of or pertaining to defense. 3. sensitive to the threat of criticism or injury to one's ego. n. 4. a position or attitude of defense: on the …

Sep 21, 2025 · Defensive is an adjective describing an attitude or behavior aimed at protecting oneself from criticism, harm, or attack. It often implies a reactive stance where actions are …

Defensive definition: Of or relating to defense.

Dec 14, 2025 · defensive (comparative more defensive, superlative most defensive) Intended for defence; protective.

There are 17 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word defensive, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

de•fen•sive /dɪˈfɛnsɪv/ adj. [before a noun] of or relating to defense: defensive weapons. Psychology sensitive to criticism: There's no need to be so defensive. n. [uncountable] on the …

Someone on the defensive is concerned with justifying their actions or words. They have a defensive attitude as they try to protect themselves.