defensively

comparative more defensively · superlative most defensively · alternative archaic nonstandard defencively

1. In a defensive manner.

   It's fine. I think I could be ... semitarian, maybe? Half vegetarian? It's a thing,' he adds, a little defensively

   2020, Sophie Kinsella, Love Your Life, Random House

   2 more examples

   This is a particularly disruptive tactic if the opponent also prefers an offensive style and has difficulty fighting defensively or counteroffensively.

   1993, Black Belt, volume 31, number 1, page 48

   England, defensively, were not good enough - nowhere near the standard that would be acceptable at the highest international level.

   2019 September 10, Phil McNulty, “'England horribly fallible in defence' against Kosovo in Euro 2020 qualifying”, in BBC Sport