Defensive

English Meaning

Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed to offensive; as, defensive armor.

1. Intended or appropriate for defending; protective.
2. Intended to withstand or deter aggression or attack: a defensive weapons system; defensive behavior.
3. Of or relating to the effort to prevent an opponent from gaining points in a game or athletic contest.
4. Performed so as to avoid risk, danger, or legal liability: defensive driving; defensive medicine,
5. Of or relating to defense.
6. Psychology Constantly protecting oneself from criticism, exposure of one's shortcomings, or other real or perceived threats to the ego.
7. A means of defense.
8. An attitude or position of defense.
9. on the defensive Prepared to withstand or counter aggression or attack.