ready to protect yourself because you are expecting to be criticized or attacked

The government has been put on the defensive, accused by critics of doing too little too late.

As always when forced on the defensive, she protected herself by criticizing others.

The harsh critique has put him on the defensive, and now he can't stand to hear any talk of his work.

Put on the defensive by mounting public anger, the president ordered an investigation into the matter.

In his new post, he was constantly on the defensive, explaining and justifying his every action.

See also: defensive noun