Adjective: defensive di'fen-siv
- Intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack
"defensive weapons"; "a defensive stance"
- Attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing
"His defensive tone suggested he felt guilty";
- justificative, justificatory
- Sensitive to criticism, trying to avoid or challenge any criticism
"He became defensive when his work was questioned"
- An attitude of defensiveness
"His defensive attitude made it difficult to offer constructive criticism";
- defensive attitude
Derived forms: defensives
See also: antiaircraft, antisubmarine, antitank, apologetic, defending, en garde, excusatory, protective
Type of: attitude, mental attitude
Antonym: offensive
Encyclopedia: Defensive