defensivo

defensive

adjective deh-fen-SEE-boh Less Common

Usage Note

Defensivo functions both in sports (juego defensivo, defensive play) and in psychological contexts (una actitud defensiva, a defensive attitude). The phrase ponerse a la defensiva means 'to become defensive' or 'to go on the defensive'. It agrees in gender and number: postura defensiva, mecanismos defensivos.

Examples

"Adoptó una postura defensiva ante las críticas."

Natural Translation

He adopted a defensive stance in the face of criticism.

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