Last Updated：2025/11/21

Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression. / (sports) defending; playing a defensive game

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on the defensive

Source Word

on the defensive

Prepositional phrase

Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression. / (sports) defending; playing a defensive game

Japanese Meaning

批判や攻撃に対して防御の態勢にある / 守備的な（戦術・態度） / 攻撃ではなく安全を図るための態勢に回る

When the press challenged his actions, he went on the defensive and avoided direct answers.

記者たちが彼の行動を問いただしたとき、彼は防御的になり、直接的な答えを避けた。

Sense（1）

Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression.

Sense（2）

(sports) defending; playing a defensive game

Brazil's greater quality and assurance in possession meant England spent much of the game on the defensive.