Definition of "on the defensive" [on the defensive]
Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression(adjective)
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Use "on the defensive" in a sentence
"The administration was already on the defensive on arms control because Senator Jackson had mounted a vigorous February challenge to Warnkes confirmation as arms control negotiator."
"He temporizes and acts on the defensive when a superior force and the peculiar circumstances of his army compel him to adopt such conduct."
"As the physically weaker sex, women are always in danger of economic and personal exploitation and legal powerlessness3; and as the objects of the sensuous desire of men, they must always hold themselves on the defensive against the other sex."