What is the meaning of defensive?

noun

  • An attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive'.

adjective

  • Intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack.
    • usage: "defensive weapons"; "a defensive stance"
  • Attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing.
WordNet 3.0 © 2006 by Princeton University
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APAWordNet. (2010). defensive. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/defensive/definitions/1172113
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "defensive" http://smartdefine.org/defensive/definitions/1172113 (accessed September 20, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, defensive, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/defensive/definitions/1172113>.
MLAWordNet. "defensive" 23 October 2010. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/defensive/definitions/1172113>
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