Definition for DE-FENS'IVE

DE-FENS'IVE, a. [Fr. defensif.]

  1. That serves to defend; proper for defense; as, defensive armor, which repels attacks or blows, opposed to offensive arms, which are used in attack.
  2. Carried on in resisting attack or aggression; as, defensive war, in distinction from offensive war, which is aggressive.
  3. In a state or posture to defend. – Milton.

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