English dictionary



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English adjective: defensive

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


SamplesDefensive weapons.
A defensive stance.


Similarantiaircraft, antisubmarine, antitank, defending, en garde


See alsoprotective


Antonymsoffensive

2. defensive attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing


Synonymsjustificative, justificatory


Similarapologetic, excusatory


Antonymsunapologetic


English noun: defensive

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


Synonymsdefensive attitude


Broader (hypernym)attitude, mental attitude









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