be defensive

Examples (20)

• The country's foreign policy is largely defensive, focused on protecting its borders.
• There's no need to be so defensive; I was just asking a question.
• In chess, it's often better to be defensive at the beginning of the game.
• He is always very defensive about his work.
• Why are you being so defensive? I was only trying to offer some advice.
• She was noticeably defensive when her methods were questioned.
• He is always defensive when anyone asks about his project's progress.
• Why are you being so defensive right now?
• The team was defensive for the entire second half, protecting their one-goal lead.
• If you are constantly defensive, people will stop giving you honest feedback.
• There's no need to be defensive; it was just a simple question, not an accusation.
• He tried to explain his actions without being defensive.
• Her tone was noticeably defensive when she responded to the criticism.
• The politician was fiercely defensive during the press conference.
• The soldiers were ordered to be defensive and not to engage the enemy unless provoked.
• I've noticed that he tends to be a little defensive when discussing his past.
• He's been a bit defensive about his choices ever since the incident.
• Their initial reaction was defensive, but they later listened to our concerns.
• The company's initial statement was defensive and failed to address the customers' concerns.
• You don't need to be defensive with me; we're on the same team.