de·fen·sive1 /dɪˈfensɪv/ ●○○ adjectiveadj 1 DEFENDused or intended to protect someone or something against attack 防御用的,防御性的 OPP offensive The prince drew up his forces in a strong defensive position. 亲王将部队布成坚固的防御阵势。
The rockets are a purely defensive measure against nuclear attack. 火箭弹纯粹是针对核攻击的防御性措施。
2 DEFENDbehaving in a way that shows you think someone is criticizing you even if they are not 戒备的,自卫的,有戒心的 She despised herself for sounding so defensive. 她因自己说的话听起来戒备心过强而自惭形秽。
a reserved and defensive manner 矜持而又戒备的态度
3 DS American EnglishAmE relating to stopping the other team from getting points in a game 〔比赛中〕防守的,防御的 OPP offensive —defensively adverbadv
—defensiveness noun [uncountableU]