defensive 1 of 2

as in protective
intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors

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defensive

2 of 2

noun

as in guard
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the defensive

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Cite this Entry

“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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