(a.) Defending, or tending to defend, one's own person, property, or reputation.
Thesaurus Entries
covering, custodial, defending, fostering, guardian, guarding, immunizing, parental, preventive, prophylactic, protecting, protective, safeguarding, screening, self-defensive, self-preservative, self-protective, sheltering, shielding, tutelary, vigilant, watchful
