defensively

adverb5 collocationsAvg. frequency: 6.2
say defensively7.2

to speak in a manner intended to protect oneself from criticism

react defensively7.0

to respond to a situation or statement in a way that shows you feel you are being criticized

reply defensively6.8

to answer a question or accusation in a guarded or protective manner

retort defensively5.5

to answer an accusation or remark sharply and defensively

struggle defensively4.5

to fight or make a strenuous effort to resist an attack or constraint