DEFENSIVE

defensive

(adjective) intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack; “defensive weapons”; “a defensive stance”

defensive, justificative, justificatory

(adjective) attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing

defensive, defensive attitude

(noun) an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase ‘on the defensive’)

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Adjective

defensive (comparative more defensive, superlative most defensive)

Intended for defence; protective.

Intended to deter attack.

Performed so as to minimise risk.

Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion.

(cricket) Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.

(mostly, sports) Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.

In a state or posture of defense.

Antonyms

• offensive

Noun

defensive (plural defensives)

A means, attitude or position of defense.

Source: Wiktionary

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De*fen"sive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. défensif.]

1. Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed to offensive; as, defensive armor. A moat defensive to a house. Shak.

2. Carried on by resisting attack or aggression; -- opposed to offensive; as, defensive war.

3. In a state or posture of defense. Milton.

De*fen"sive, n.

Definition: That which defends; a safeguard. Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensive. Bacon. To be on the defensive, To stand on the defensive, to be or stand in a state or posture of defense or resistance, in opposition to aggression or attack.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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