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🛡️defensive

adjective
/dɪˈfɛnsɪv/
defensible defer

Meaning

Intended to protect or defend; behaving in a way to guard against criticism or attack.
used or intended to defend or protect; showing a tendency to react in an angry or hurt way when criticized

Example Sentences

He became defensive when asked about his mistake.

He became defensive when criticized about his work.

Example Expressions

defensive stance

Synonyms

protective, guarded, cautious, shielding, wary
Entry 1
protective, guarded, cautious, shielding
Entry 2
protective, guarded, cautious, wary

Antonyms

offensive, aggressive, open, attacking
Entry 1
offensive, aggressive, open
Entry 2
offensive, aggressive, attacking, open

Collocations

defensive behavior, defensive mechanism, defensive reaction, defensive stance, defensive strategy, defensive position, defensive attitude
Entry 1
defensive behavior, defensive mechanism, defensive reaction, defensive stance
Entry 2
defensive strategy, defensive position, defensive attitude

More Example Sentences

When receiving feedback, one should listen with an open mind rather than being defensive.

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giving support or confidence; inspiring; motivating

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Very skilled or proficient at something; expert.

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existing or happening in many places or among many people

vehement

showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense

complacent

showing self-satisfaction and a lack of concern about potential dangers or problems

furtive

Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would...

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