Defensive

Part of speech: noun (n.)

That which defends; a safeguard. Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensive. Bacon. To be on the defensive, To stand on the defensive, to be or stand in a state or posture of defense or resistance, in opposition to aggression or attack.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

1. Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed to offensive; as, defensive armor. A moat defensive to a house. Shak.

2. Carried on by resisting attack or aggression; -- opposed to offensive; as, defensive war.

3. In a state or posture of defense. Milton.