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: {excusatory},

{justificative}, {justificatory}]

3: serving as or appropriate for defending or protecting;

"defensive fortifications"; "defensive dikes to protect

against floods"

n : an attitude of defense; especially in the phrase "on the

defensive" [syn: {defensive attitude}]