defensive

/dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/

Syllables de·fen·sive

Stress de-FEN-sive

Phonics Breakdown

de

/dɪ/

short i

fen

/fɛn/

short e

sive

/sɪv/

short i

Meaning

intended to protect or to defend; easily feeling attacked

Sound Reference

💡

de=/dɪ/(define) + fen=/fɛn/(fence) + sive=/sɪv/(massive)

Example

He became defensive when questioned about his work.