defensive

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack

   The defensive turrets located around the castle walls were the primary factor that aided in the winning of the battle.

2. 2
   adj

   attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing

   The peer-reviewed essay is rather defensive and attempts to refute all of the recently spread rumors concerning the study.

3. 3
   noun

   an attitude of defensiveness

   I was on the defensive when I heard that people thought I was twenty years older than I really was.

4. 4
   adj

   Intended for defence; protective.

   a defensive perimeter

5. 5
   adj

   Intended to deter attack.

   a defensive missile system

6. 6
   adj

   Performed so as to minimise risk.

   defensive driving

7. 7
   adj

   Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.

   The victim held up his hand to repel the attacker and received a defensive knife wound.

8. 8
   adj

   In a state or posture of defense.

   […]Once join'd, the contrary ſhe proves, a thorn Inteſtin, far within defenſive arms[…]

Etymology

From Middle French défensif. Morphologically defense + -ive.