defensive /diˈfensiv/ I. adj. 防卫的，防御的：defensive war自卫战；defensive works防御工事 ‖II. n. [u] 1. 守势，防守：The enemy troops are put on the defensive.敌军被迫采取守势。2. 用于短语 on/onto the defensive 处于防御姿态；处于戒备状态：British forces were on the defensive.英国军队处于守势。