defensive

[/dɪˈfɛnsɪv/]

adjective

defensivo

1. intended to protect or defend against attack

The team adopted a defensive strategy in the second half.

O time adotou uma estratégia defensiva no segundo tempo.

2. relating to defense in military or sports contexts

The defensive line in football is crucial.

A linha defensiva no futebol americano é crucial.

3. overly protective of oneself; sensitive to criticism

He became defensive when she mentioned his mistake.

Ele ficou na defensiva quando ela mencionou seu erro.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

defensivo

standard usage across Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

defensivo

same as general usage

São Paulo

defensivo

same as general usage

Portugal

defensivo

standard European Portuguese usage

on the defensive

defensive mechanism

take the defensive

Look up more words on Fala2Me

The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more