Defensive vs Hostile - What's the difference?

defensive | hostile |


As adjectives the difference between defensive and hostile

is that defensive is while hostile is belonging or appropriate to an enemy; showing the disposition of an enemy; showing ill will and malevolence, or a desire to thwart and injure; occupied by an enemy or enemies; inimical; unfriendly.

As a noun hostile is

(chiefly|in the plural) an enemy.

defensive

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Intended for defence; protective.
    • a defensive perimeter
  • Intended to deter attack.
    • a defensive missile system
  • Performed so as to minimise risk.
    • defensive driving
  • Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism.
  • (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.
  • (sports) Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2011 , date=September 2 , author=Phil McNulty , title=Bulgaria 0-3 England , work=BBC citation , page= , passage=The Italian opted for Bolton's Cahill alongside captain John Terry - and his decision was rewarded with a goal after only 13 minutes. Bulgaria gave a hint of defensive frailties to come when they failed to clear Young's corner, and when Gareth Barry found Cahill in the box he applied the finish past Nikolay Mihaylov.}}
  • In a state or posture of defense.
    • (Milton)

    Antonyms

    * offensive

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A means, attitude or position of defense.
  • * {{quote-news, year=2007, date=May 26, author=Julia Werdigier, title=Consolidating the Banks of Europe, work=New York Times citation
    • , passage=Such kinds of defensives are really rather protecting the local companies than the consumers. }}

    Related terms

    * on the defensive ----

    hostile

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Belonging or appropriate to an enemy; showing the disposition of an enemy; showing ill will and malevolence, or a desire to thwart and injure; occupied by an enemy or enemies; inimical; unfriendly
    • a hostile force
    hostile intentions
    a hostile country
    hostile to a sudden change

    Related terms

    * hostility * See also

    Synonyms

    * antagonistic * hateful

    Antonyms

    * friendly

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (chiefly, in the plural) An enemy.

    • Anagrams

    * * ----