He felt a certain defensiveness about his position.
他对自己的位置心存戒备。
3PHRASE 处于防御姿态;处于守势 If someone is on the defensive, they are trying to protect themselves or their interests because they feel unsure or threatened. 处于防御姿态;处于守势
Accusations are likely to put the other person on the defensive.
谴责很可能会引发对方自我防卫的反应。
He smiled, not wanting to put the man on the defensive.
他笑了笑,不想让那个人产生抵触情绪。
4ADJ-GRADED [usually ADJ n](体育运动中的打法)防守(型)的 In sports, defensive play is play that is intended to prevent your opponent from scoring goals or points against you. (体育运动中的打法)防守(型)的
I'd always played a defensive game, waiting for my opponent to make a mistake.