on the defensive
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Rattled by the technology, Hollywood initially went on the defensive.
From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026
Manufacturers are suddenly on the defensive, not just in China and elsewhere, but also at home.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 4, 2026
He added that investors were right to go on the defensive.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 17, 2026
In a combative setting, Vance can dismantle an argument, redirect a question and put his interlocutor on the defensive.
From Salon ● Jun. 17, 2026
But off camera, his confidence was paper-thin, and he could be quickly thrown on the defensive.
From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge
