defensive

nouns

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

adjectives

intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack
"defensive weapons"; "a defensive stance"
defensive
is derived from
defend
is derived from
defend
antonym
offensive
is similar to
designed for defense from a surface position against air attack
antiaircraft
is similar to
defensive against enemy submarines
antisubmarine
is similar to
designed for defense against armored vehicles
antitank
is similar to
attempting to or designed to prevent an opponent from winning or scoring
defending
is similar to
(fencing) in a defensive stance
en garde
see also
intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind
"a protective covering"; "the use of protective masks and equipment"; "protective coatings"; "kept the drunken sailor in protective custody"; "animals with protective coloring"; "protective tariffs"
protective
attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing
defensive, justificative, justificatory
is derived from
defend
is derived from
defend