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Defensive meaning

What does “defensive” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“defensive” is a noun and adjective with 3 meanings. Its most common meaning is: an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive').

defensive

noun

  1. an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive')

    Synonymsdefensive attitude

adjective

  1. intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack

    “defensive weapons”

    “a defensive stance”

    Oppositesoffensive

  2. attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing

    Synonymsjustificativejustificatory

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University

More about “defensive”

✦Synonyms for defensive✦Words that rhyme with defensive✦Unscramble DEFENSIVE