defensive.

Acting to protect oneself against a perceived threat, attack, or criticism.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• a defensive response
• defensive posture
• become defensive

On the page

He became defensive when she asked why the door was locked.

Her defensive posture relaxed after the officer stepped back.

Fear of being blamed made every answer sound defensive.

Usage notes

Primary category: fear. Can describe justified protection or an exaggerated reaction to harmless remarks. Fear may underlie a defensive tone without being openly acknowledged. Gradable with more/most; no inflectional endings normally needed.