defensive

de·fen·sive

adj \di-ˈfen(t)-siv, ˈdē-ˌ\

Definition of DEFENSIVE

1

: serving to defend or protect (as the ego) <face-saving is a common defensive reaction—Psychology Today>

2

: devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack <defensive behavior>

—de·fen·sive·ly adverb

—de·fen·sive·ness noun