DEFENSIVE as NOUN

1. Meaning
   • an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive”)
   Synonym(s)
   • defensive attitude (what does defensive attitude mean?)
   Hypernyms(s) defensive is a kind of… Example: animal is a hypernym of mammal, plant is a hypernym of flower
   • attitude (what does attitude mean?)
   • mental attitude (what does mental attitude mean?)

DEFENSIVE as ADJECTIVE

1. Meaning
   • intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack
   Usage Example(s)
   • defensive weapons
   • a defensive stance
   Antonym(s)
   • offensive (what does offensive mean?)
   Similar To
   • antiaircraft (what does antiaircraft mean?)
   • antisubmarine (what does antisubmarine mean?)
   • antitank (what does antitank mean?)
   • defending (what does defending mean?)
   • en garde (what does en garde mean?)
   See Also
   • protective (what does protective mean?)
2. Meaning
   • attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing
   Synonym(s)
   • justificative (what does justificative mean?)
   • justificatory (what does justificatory mean?)
   Similar To
   • apologetic (what does apologetic mean?)
   • excusatory (what does excusatory mean?)
3. Meaning
   • serving as or appropriate for defending or protecting
   Usage Example(s)
   • defensive fortifications
   • defensive dikes to protect against floods
   Similar To
   • protective (what does protective mean?)