defensive of

USAGE SUMMARY

"defensive of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who is protecting something that belongs to them, or someone else, or to express support for a particular opinion. For example: She was incredibly defensive of her brother when anyone said something negative about him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do you still feel defensive of him?

The Guardian

"I'm pretty defensive of all quarterbacks.

The New York Times

I felt strangely defensive of Ms. Stewart.

The New York Times - Style

Now, Mr. Greenspan appears very defensive of his legacy.

The New York Times

The Home Office is highly defensive of Ricu's work.

The Guardian

Yet he is not merely defensive of the dons.

The New York Times - Books

He is both critical and defensive of today's Russia.

The Guardian

Similarly, he was at first defensive of the city's response to the blizzard.

The New York Times

"We were very defensive of Clemens and tried to give him every break," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Part of the problem is that students are too defensive of their institutions.

Independent

In therapy I learned that I became very defensive of the restaurant.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defensive of" when you want to express that someone is protecting something or someone from criticism or attack. For example, "She was very defensive of her friend when others gossiped about her."

Common error

Avoid using "defensive of" when a more neutral term like "supportive" or "protective" would be more appropriate. Overusing "defensive of" can make you sound biased or argumentative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defensive of" functions as an adjective complement, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of protectiveness or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to describe someone protecting something. Many of the examples provided, show that the phrase is usually related to a person or an organization taking protective measures for someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

23%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defensive of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates protectiveness or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, noting that it describes protecting something or someone from criticism. The phrase commonly appears in news and media, wiki entries and science domains, suggesting a neutral register. When using "defensive of", ensure it fits the context and intent to convey protectiveness. Alternatives include "protective of", "supportive of", and "in defense of", each adding nuance to the meaning. Understanding its proper use can improve clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protective of

Focuses on the act of shielding or guarding something.

fiercely protective of

Combines protection with a sense of intensity and determination.

in defense of

Emphasizes the act of arguing or advocating for something.

standing up for

Highlights the act of publicly supporting or defending someone or something.

supportive of

Highlights the act of providing assistance or encouragement.

vehemently defending

Emphasizes the intensity and passion behind the defense.

championing

Suggests actively promoting or fighting for a cause or person.

justifying

Focuses on providing reasons or explanations to defend an action or belief.

guarding

Emphasizes vigilance and protection against potential threats.

upholding

Implies maintaining or defending principles or standards.

FAQs

How can I use "defensive of" in a sentence?

You can use "defensive of" to describe someone who is protecting or supporting something. For instance, "He was very defensive of his work" or "The government is defensive of its policies".

What's a good substitute for "defensive of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "protective of", "supportive of", or "in defense of".

Is it correct to say "defensive about" instead of "defensive of"?

While "defensive about" is sometimes used, "defensive of" is generally considered more standard and grammatically correct, especially in formal writing. It's better to use "defensive of" when referring to someone or something you are protecting.

What does it mean to be "defensive of" something?

To be "defensive of" something means you are quick to protect or justify it, especially when it's being criticized or challenged. It implies a sense of ownership or loyalty.