Search Result for "defensive":
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (1)

1. an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive');
[syn: defensive, defensive attitude]


ADJECTIVE (2)

1. intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack;
- Example: "defensive weapons"
- Example: "a defensive stance"

2. attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing;
[syn: defensive, justificative, justificatory]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Defensive \De*fen"sive\, a. [Cf. F. d['e]fensif.]
   1. Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed
      to offensive; as, defensive armor.
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            A moat defensive to a house.          --Shak.
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   2. Carried on by resisting attack or aggression; -- opposed
      to offensive; as, defensive war.
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   3. In a state or posture of defense. --Milton.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Defensive \De*fen"sive\, n.
   That which defends; a safeguard.
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         Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensives.
                                                  --Bacon.
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   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.
      [1913 Webster]


Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:

22 Moby Thesaurus words for "defensive":
   covering, custodial, defending, fostering, guardian, guarding,
   immunizing, parental, preventive, prophylactic, protecting,
   protective, safeguarding, screening, self-defensive,
   self-preservative, self-protective, sheltering, shielding,
   tutelary, vigilant, watchful