defensive

1. 1

   Intended for defence; protective.

   • a defensive perimeter
2. 2

   Intended to deter attack.

   • a defensive missile system
3. 3

   Performed so as to minimise risk.

   • defensive driving
4. 4

   Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.

5. 5

   Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.

6. 6

   Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.

   • The victim held up his hand to repel the attacker and received a defensive knife wound.
7. 7

   In a state or posture of defense.

   • […]Once join'd, the contrary ſhe proves, a thorn Inteſtin, far within defenſive arms[…]

ant. offensive

1. 1

   A means, attitude or position of defense. Chiefly in on the defensive.

   • The Germans had developed a highly scientific defensive in which machine-guns replaced rifles and a maximum of punishment was inflicted upon an assaulting force with a minimum of human loss.
   • Such kinds of defensives are really rather protecting the local companies than the consumers.