Noun:

1. an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive')

Adjective:

1. intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack;

   "defensive weapons"
   "a defensive stance"
   

2. attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing

self-justifyingadj.自己辩白的；自我辩护

apologeticadj.道歉的；认错的；赔罪的n.正式的辩护

distrustfuladj.不信任的；怀疑的

waryadj.小心的；机警的

cautiousadj.谨慎的；十分小心的

protectiveadj.保护的；防卫的

protectingv.保护；投保

defendingv.防守；防护；辩护

shieldingn.防护；防护层adj.屏蔽的；防护的动词shield的现在分词形式.

fortifiedadj.加强的动词fortify的过去式和过去分词形式.

armoredadj.装甲的动词armor的过去式和过去分词形式.

armouredadj.披甲的；装甲的；武装的=armored(英).

justificatoryadj.用来辨解的

justificativeadj.认为正当的

defensive attitude防卫态度

offensiveadj.令人不快的；冒犯的；侮辱的；与进攻有关的n.攻势；攻击

aggressiveadj.侵略的；进攻性的；好斗的；有进取心的

1. They teamed together into a defensive alliance.
   他们联合起来组成一个防卫同盟。
2. Our troops took up defensive positions on high ground overlooking the river.
   我部队在临河高地上占据了防御阵地。
3. When asked to explain her behavior, she gave a very defensive answer.
   当问她为什么要这样做时，她极力为自己辩护。
4. She's very defensive about her part in the affair.
   她极力掩盖她在此事中充当的角色。

1. They put entirely on the defensive.
   他们被迫完全处于守势。