defensive : Idioms & Phrases

• noun an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive')
  defensive.
  

WordNet

• noun (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
  defense; defence.
  
  • they died in the defense of Stalingrad
  • they were developed for the defense program

WordNet

• noun a structure used to defend against attack
  defense; defence.
  
  • the artillery battered down the defenses

WordNet

• a leaque that requires all the parties to it to make war together against any foe, and to defend one another if attacked.

Webster 1913

Self`-de*fen"sive adjective

Definitions

1. Defending, or tending to defend, one's own person, property, or reputation.

Webster 1913

• to be or stand in a state or posture of defense or resistance, in opposition to aggression or attack.

Webster 1913