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Definitions for: Defensive
[n] an attitude of defense; especially in the phrase"on the defensive"
[adj] intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack; "defensive weapons"; "a defensive stance"
[adj] attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing
[adj] serving as or appropriate for defending or protecting; "defensive fortifications"; "defensive dikes to protect against floods"
Webster (1913) Definition: De*fen"sive, a. [Cf. F. d['e]fensif.]
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.
That which defends; a safeguard.
Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensives.
--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.
Synonyms: antiaircraft, antisubmarine, antitank, apologetic, defending, defensive attitude, en garde, excusatory, justificative, justificatory
Antonyms: offensive
See Also: attitude, mental attitude, protective
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