defensive
(adjective) intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack; ādefensive weaponsā; āa defensive stanceā
defensive, justificative, justificatory
(adjective) attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing
defensive, defensive attitude
(noun) an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase āon the defensiveā)
Source: WordNet® 3.1
defensive (comparative more defensive, superlative most defensive)
Intended for defence; protective.
Intended to deter attack.
Performed so as to minimise risk.
Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion.
(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.
(mostly, sports) Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
In a state or posture of defense.
• offensive
defensive (plural defensives)
A means, attitude or position of defense.
Source: Wiktionary
De*fen"sive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. dƩfensif.]
1. Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed to offensive; as, defensive armor. A moat defensive to a house. Shak.
2. Carried on by resisting attack or aggression; -- opposed to offensive; as, defensive war.
3. In a state or posture of defense. Milton.
De*fen"sive, n.
Definition: That which defends; a safeguard. Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensive. Bacon. To be on the defensive, To stand on the defensive, to be or stand in a state or posture of defense or resistance, in opposition to aggression or attack.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
5 November 2024
(verb) draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time; āThe speaker temporized in order to delay the voteā
Coffee dates back to the 9th century. Goat herders in Ethiopia noticed their goats seem to be ādancingā after eating berries from a particular shrub. They reported it to the local monastery, and a monk made a drink out of it. The monk found out he felt energized and kept him awake at night. Thatās how the first coffee drink was born.
