defensive
(adjective) intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack; “defensive weapons”; “a defensive stance”
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 ‘on the defensive’)
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. défensif.]
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
10 June 2025
(noun) the discipline that studies the principles of transmiting information and the methods by which it is delivered (as print or radio or television etc.); “communications is his major field of study”
Contrary to popular belief, coffee beans are not technically beans. They are referred to as such because of their resemblance to legumes. A coffee bean is a seed of the Coffea plant and the source for coffee. It is the pit inside the red or purple fruit, often referred to as a cherry. Just like ordinary cherries, the coffee fruit is also a so-called stone fruit.
