Meaning of defensively In English

• 0 in a way that protects someone or something against attack or injury:

  • His fists were raised defensively when he spun and spotted the young man opposite.

  • People have long believed that plants respond to insect attacks defensively.

• 1 in a way that shows you feel you are being criticized and do not like it:

  • "It's not something I could have prevented," he said, a bit defensively.

• 2 in a way that is intended to prevent the opposing player or players from scoring points, goals, etc.:

  • He was always returning the ball defensively.

  • You're not going to beat Australia by batting defensively.

  • Although we're quite dangerous in attack we are bad defensively.

  • France illustrated how vulnerable Ireland can be defensively.

• 3 acting in a way that shows feelings of being criticized and the need to quickly explain :

  • When asked where she went, she answered defensively.