defensively
adverb/dɪˈfensɪvli/
/dɪˈfensɪvli/
- in a way that shows that you feel that people are criticizing you
- ‘I couldn't help it,’ he said defensively.
Oxford Collocations DictionaryDefensively is used with these verbs:- react
- reply
- retort
- …
- in a way that involves protecting somebody/something against attack
- The English fought defensively while the Normans repeatedly charged.
- (sport) in a way that tries to prevent the other team or player from scoring points or goals, rather than trying to score points or goals yourself
- They played defensively, happy to settle for a draw.
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defensively