defensively
🇺🇸
/dɪˈfensɪvli/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈfensɪvli/
adverb
R
When you respond to something in a way that shows you feel criticized or attacked.
‘I couldn't help it,’ he said defensively, as if he was being accused of something.
R
When you do something to protect yourself or others from harm or attack.
The English fought defensively, building walls to keep out the invaders.
R
When you play a game focusing on stopping the other team from scoring, rather than trying to score yourself.
They played defensively, blocking the opponent's shots and preventing them from scoring.
translation
When you respond to something in a way that shows you feel criticized or attacked.; When you do something to protect yourself or others from harm or attack.; When you play a game focusing on stopping the other team from scoring, rather than trying to score yourself.