When someone is defensively, they are acting in a way that is designed to protect themselves or to protect someone else. They might be defensive because they are angry or because they are afraid.
He was defensive when he said that he didn't do it.
She was defensive when she said that she didn't know what you were talking about.
ADV
in a defensive manner
ADV
in an apologetic and defensive manner
1
The Thiers wall was the last of the defensive walls of Paris.
2
Committees for the Defense of the Revolution.
3
The are the defense department of the Vatican.
4
The call is defensible in theory.
5
The defense denied the accusation.
6
The defense of the coast was essential.
7
The defense then appeals to the umpire.
8
They have the prosecution and the defense.
9
Bhulabhai was the leading counsel for the defense.
10
Ineptitude is a defense against the charge.