de·fen·sive 
(dĭ-fĕnsĭv)
(dĭ-fĕnsĭv)adj.
1. Intended or appropriate for defending; protective.
2.
a. Intended to withstand or deter aggression or attack: a defensive weapons system; defensive behavior.
b. Of or relating to the effort to prevent an opponent from gaining points in a game or athletic contest.
c. Performed so as to avoid risk, danger, or legal liability: defensive driving; defensive medicine.
3. Of or relating to defense.
4. Psychology Constantly protecting oneself from criticism, exposure of one's shortcomings, or other real or perceived threats to the ego.
n.
Idiom: 1. A means of defense.
2. An attitude or position of defense.
on the defensive
Prepared to withstand or counter aggression or attack.
de·fensive·ly adv.
de·fensive·ness n.
- cross-reference
- cross-resistance
- crossroad
- crossruff
- cross section
- cross-section
- cross-sectional
- cross-sell
- cross-selling
- cross (someone's) palm
- cross someone's palm
- cross-stitch
- cross-stratification
- cross swords
- crosstalk
- "the Cunctator."
- Theda
- The Dalles
- "the Desert Fox."
- the devil take the hindmost
- the devil to pay
- the die is cast
- "the Divine."
- thee
- "the Elder."