Defensive vs. Defiant — What's the Difference?

Intended or appropriate for defending; protective.

Acting with or marked by defiance; boldly resisting

Intended to withstand or deter aggression or attack

Defying.

Of or relating to the effort to prevent an opponent from gaining points in a game or athletic contest.

Boldly resisting opposition.

Performed so as to avoid risk, danger, or legal liability

One who defies opposition.

Of or relating to defense.

Full of defiance; bold; insolent; as, a defiant spirit or act.

(Psychology) Constantly protecting oneself from criticism, exposure of one's shortcomings, or other real or perceived threats to the ego.

Boldly resisting authority or an opposing force;

A means of defense.

An attitude or position of defense.

Intended for defence; protective.

Intended to deter attack.

Performed so as to minimise risk.

Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.

(cricket) Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.

Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.

In a state or posture of defense.

A means, attitude or position of defense.

Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed to offensive; as, defensive armor.

Carried on by resisting attack or aggression; - opposed to offensive; as, defensive war.

In a state or posture of defense.

That which defends; a safeguard.

An attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive')

Intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack;

Attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing

Serving as or appropriate for defending or protecting;