A means, attitude or position of defense.
Intended for defence; protective.
In a state or posture of defense.
Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.
Performed so as to minimise risk.
Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.
Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
Intended to deter attack.
The initial portion of a syllable, preceding the syllable nucleus.
The beginning of a musical note or other sound, in which the amplitude rises from zero to an initial peak.
The initial phase of a disease or condition, in which symptoms first become apparent.
A setting about; a beginning.