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Used or intended to defend or protect
“The city was enclosed by a defensive wall and a moat.”
Used or intended to avert or thwart danger or disaster
“In its 1988 report, it announced a restrictive policy regarding legal defensive measures against hostile takeovers.”
Wary, on guard for danger
“This insecurity leads us to be highly defensive and watchful for our own safety.”
Sensitive to, or very anxious to challenge or avoid, criticism
“Host Alan Kohler quite nicely brought out this defensive side with some telling jabs.”
Distrustful of others
“Citizens are becoming defensive and distrustful of their civic leaders as they lose all trust in their ability to represent them honestly and with any sense of integrity.”
Aiming to justify or excuse oneself or one's actions
“He wanted her to answer without him trying to fill in the uncomfortable silence between them with defensive excuses or pleas.”
Carried out as a precaution
Of, pertaining to, or exhibiting opposition
Resistant and unwilling to accept or consider
Promoting or producing vindication
Responding to or acting to counteract something when it happens (rather than beforehand)
(zoology) Defensive or repulsive, particularly as applied to glands of certain invertebrates
A (heightened) state of being ready to defend oneself
“Find a way to encourage dialogue rather than putting him on the defensive.”
Related Words and Phrases
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