Being defensive; placing emphasis on defense or protection (in sports, strategy, or attitude) rather than offense.
今日はディフェンシブな戦術で相手の攻撃を封じた。
Today we used a defensive tactic to shut down the opponent's attack.
彼は会議でディフェンシブになり、反論に対して身構えていた。
He became defensive in the meeting and bristled at counterarguments.
守備陣はディフェンシブに配置され、カウンターを狙った。
The defense was set up defensively, aiming for a counterattack.