defensive adj.
1 protecting against attack
VERBS be
ADV. purely These are purely defensive measures. | essentially, largely a largely defensive campaign
2 showing you feel sb is criticizing you
VERBS be, feel, look, seem, sound | become, get Whenever anyone mention women's rights, he gets rather defensive.
ADV. extremely, fiercely, very He did not once glance at his listeners and seemed fiercely defensive. | a little, rather, slightly, somewhat | oddly Her manner was oddly defensive, as he hadn't intended any criticism at all.
PREP. about He is extremely defensive about his work.