defensive

Defensive is an adjective describing actions, strategies, or attitudes oriented toward protection or defense rather than aggression. The word originates from Latin defensivus, from defendere, to ward off or protect.

In military and security contexts, a defensive posture emphasizes delaying or repelling an attacker and preserving resources. Defensive operations may rely on fortifications, terrain, surveillance, and contingency planning, and are often contrasted with offensive campaigns that aim to seize territory or impose damage.

In sports, defensive play prioritizes preventing opponents from scoring. Teams employ defensive formations, zonal or man-to-man coverage, and repositioning to protect goal areas or baskets. A defense-oriented strategy prioritizes resilience and counterattack opportunities rather than sustained possession.

In computing and software design, defensive programming involves building software that remains robust in the face of unexpected inputs or conditions. Practices include input validation, boundary checks, error handling, and fail-safes to prevent crashes or security breaches.

In psychology, being defensive describes a response pattern in which a person resists perceived criticism by justification, denial, or blame allocation. Defense mechanisms operate unconsciously to reduce anxiety and protect self-image, sometimes hindering constructive feedback.

In everyday use, the term appears in contexts such as defensive driving, where motorists anticipate hazards and maintain safe distances, and defensive architecture, which uses physical design to deter crime, such as barriers or controlled access.