Defensive
[dɪ'fensɪv] or [dɪ'fɛnsɪv]
Definition
(noun.) an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive').
(adj.) intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack; 'defensive weapons'; 'a defensive stance' .
(adj.) attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing .
Checker: Prudence--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed to offensive; as, defensive armor.
(a.) Carried on by resisting attack or aggression; -- opposed to offensive; as, defensive war.
(a.) In a state or posture of defense.
(n.) That which defends; a safeguard.
Edited by Ingram
Examples
- As yet the enemy had made no move, so Justinian had plenty of time to complete his defensive preparations. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- Suffice it to say that Cr?sus made a defensive alliance both with the Lacedemonians and the Egyptians. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Instead of my being on the defensive, I would be on the offensive; instead of guessing at what he means to do, he would have to guess at my plans. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- Yet her voice had the same defensive brightness as she spoke to Birkin's landlady at the door. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
- And she won't give herself away--she's always on the defensive. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
- Throughout 1916 she remained largely on the defensive, and there were rumours of a separate peace with Germany. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- All the conditions were favorable for defensive operations. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- With Wilson turned loose, with all your cavalry, you will find the rebels put much more on the defensive than heretofore. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- This threw the army at my command still more on the defensive. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- It was a much better country to conduct a defensive campaign in than an offensive one. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- I ordered Trumbull not to inquire further, she said, with a careful calmness which was evidently defensive. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- I shall stand by you so long as you remain on the defensive. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Contrary to all my experience up to that time, and to the experience of the army I was then commanding, we were on the defensive. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- These lake villages had considerable defensive value, and there was a sanitary advantage in living over flowing water. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Where we were looking east and north we were strongly fortified, and on the defensive. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
Edited by Daisy