defensive

defensive
    adj 1: intended or appropriate for defending against or
           deterring aggression or attack; "defensive weapons"; "a
           defensive stance" [ant: {offensive}]
    2: attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing [syn:
       {defensive}, {justificative}, {justificatory}]
    n 1: an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on
         the defensive') [syn: {defensive}, {defensive attitude}]
    

Defensive \De*fen"sive\, a. [Cf. F. d['e]fensif.]
   1. Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed
      to offensive; as, defensive armor.
      [1913 Webster]

            A moat defensive to a house.          --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Carried on by resisting attack or aggression; -- opposed
      to offensive; as, defensive war.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. In a state or posture of defense. --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]
    

Defensive \De*fen"sive\, n.
   That which defends; a safeguard.
   [1913 Webster]

         Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensives.
                                                  --Bacon.
   [1913 Webster]

   {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.
      [1913 Webster]
    

22 Moby Thesaurus words for "defensive":
      covering, custodial, defending, fostering, guardian, guarding,
      immunizing, parental, preventive, prophylactic, protecting,
      protective, safeguarding, screening, self-defensive,
      self-preservative, self-protective, sheltering, shielding,
      tutelary, vigilant, watchful