self-defensive

adjective

self-de·​fen·​sive ˌself-di-ˈfen(t)-siv 

: of, relating to, or given to self-defense

a self-defensive person

a self-defensive attitude

Examples of self-defensive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The onset of more organ soloing by Emmett over twin guitars is just the barrage needed to slam home the paranoia and loneliness in a song that alternates self-effacement with self-defensive allegations of gaslighting and abandonment. — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 July 2026

Only a small fraction are self-defensive. — Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025

Kuwait urgently wanted the men back to train more tankers and establish a credible, sufficient self-defensive capacity. — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-defensive

• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive
• hypotensive
• inexpensive
• inoffensive
• normotensive
• antihypertensive
• counteroffensive
• defensive
• expensive