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Definition of defensive noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

defensive

noun
 
/dɪˈfensɪv/
 
/dɪˈfensɪv/
Idioms
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Idioms
on/onto the defensive
  1. acting in a way that shows that you expect to be attacked or criticized; having to defend yourself
    • Their questions about the money put her on the defensive.
    • Warnings of an enemy attack forced the troops onto the defensive.
See defensive in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
previously
adverb
 
 
From the Word list
Oxford 3000
B1
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