/dɪˈfensɪv ||; dɪˈfɛnsɪv/adj1 that protects sb/sth from attack 防御的: The troops took up a defensive position. 部队采取守势。 [OPP] offensive 反义词为offensive
2 showing that you feel that sb is criticizing you. （感到被批评时）采取守势: When I asked him about his new job, he became very defensive and tried to change the subject. 当我问及他的新工作时，他躲躲闪闪不肯多说，而且企图改变话题。