defensive

De*fen"sive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. défensif.] 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. Defn: That which defends; a safeguard. Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensive. 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.

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