1 defensive /dɪˈfɛnsɪv/ adjective Learner's definition of DEFENSIVE
1
always used before a noun : defending or protecting someone or something from attack : helping to keep a person or thing safe防御的；保护的；保卫的 -
The city began building a defensive wall around its borders.这座城市开始在周边建一道防御墙。
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The government decided to join a defensive alliance with several other nations.政府决定与其他几个国家结成防御联盟。
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Defensive driving classes [=classes that teach you how to be a safe driver] can help you avoid accidents.防御性驾驶课程能帮助你避免交通事故。
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We have taken many defensive measures [=we have done things to protect ourselves] against terrorist attacks.我们已采取了许多防范措施，应对恐怖袭击。
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defensive actions防御行动
— compare 1offensive 4 2
[more defensive; most defensive] : behaving in a way that shows that you feel people are criticizing you戒备的；有戒心的；防范的 -
I was surprised by his defensive reaction to my suggestion.他对我的建议怀有戒心，我感到很意外。
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defensive behaviors/attitudes戒备的行为/态度
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There's no need to get so defensive. I was only making a suggestion.没必要如此戒备。我只是提个建议而已。
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When we asked her about the mistakes, she became defensive.当我们向她问及那些错误时，她变得遮遮掩掩。
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often + about 3
always used before a noun,
sports : of or relating to the way that players try to stop an opponent from scoring in a game or contest（体育比赛中）防守的 — compare 1offensive 3
— defensively
adverb -
“It wasn't my fault,” she said defensively.“这不是我的错。”她辩解道。
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The team needs to improve its game defensively. [=it needs to make its defense better]这支球队需要加强防守。
— defensiveness
noun [noncount] 2 defensive /dɪˈfɛnsɪv/ noun
2 defensive
/dɪˈfɛnsɪv/
noun
Learner's definition of DEFENSIVE
on/onto the defensive
1
: in or into a situation in which you are forced to defend or protect someone or something防御态势；守势 -
We won after keeping the other team on the defensive for most of the game.在迫使对方球队在大部分时间都处于守势后，我们最终赢得了比赛。
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Their soldiers appear to be on the defensive.他们的士兵看上去处于守势。
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The company was pushed/forced onto the defensive in the lawsuit.公司在这场诉讼中被迫采取了守势。
2
: in or into a position in which you have to argue that something (such as one of your actions or beliefs) is good or correct when others say that it is bad or wrong辩护；辩解 -
The reporter often asks questions that put/place people on the defensive.那名记者经常提出一些问题，让人不得不进行辩白。
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He found himself on the defensive when the subject of the environment was discussed.他发现只要一讨论环境问题，自己就会与人争辩起来。
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The company is now on the defensive for its illegal business dealings.这家公司正在为它的非法交易辩解。