(programming) A form of defensive design aiming to ensure the continuing functioning of a piece of software in spite of unforeseeable usage of it.

(computing) The practice of planning for contingencies in the design stage of a project so as to make the misuse of the software impossible, or to minimise the negative consequences.

plural of defensive design

(medicine) The practice of recommending a diagnostic test or medical treatment that is not necessarily the best option for the patient, but mainly serves to protect the physician against a potential malpractice lawsuit from the patient.

plural of defensive industry

(business) Any industry that fulfils a basic need, such as supplying food, and is thus not greatly affected by market fluctuations.

plural of defensive wound

(pathology) An injury received by the victim of an attack while trying to defend against the assailant.

(aviation, military) A last-resort defensive maneuver in dogfighting used by an aircraft with critically-low kinetic energy, consisting of a rolling scissors performed straight down, using gravity to supply the kinetic energy needed to continue maneuvering, while attempting to either slow down enough to get behind the attacker or else trick the attacker into crashing into the ground.

plural of defensive spiral