[de.fen.sive] adj (14c) 1: serving to defend or protect
2. a: devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack b: of or relating to the attempt to keep an opponent from scoring in a game or contest 3 a: valuable in defensive play "a ~ card in bridge" b: designed to keep an opponent from being the highest bidder "a ~ bid" -- de.fen.sive.ly adv -- de.fen.sive.ness n
[2]defensive n (1601): a defensive position -- on the defensive : in the state or condition of being prepared for an expected aggression or attack