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Comparative for used or intended to defend or protect
“The city was enclosed by a defensive wall and a moat.”
Comparative for 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.”
Comparative for wary, on guard for danger
“This insecurity leads us to be highly defensive and watchful for our own safety.”
Comparative for sensitive to, or very anxious to challenge or avoid, criticism
“Host Alan Kohler quite nicely brought out this defensive side with some telling jabs.”
Comparative for 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.”
Comparative for 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.”
Comparative for carried out as a precaution
Comparative for of, pertaining to, or exhibiting opposition
Comparative for resistant and unwilling to accept or consider
Comparative for promoting or producing vindication
Comparative for responding to or acting to counteract something when it happens (rather than beforehand)
(zoology) Comparative for defensive or repulsive, particularly as applied to glands of certain invertebrates
Comparative for in a state of hostile conflict
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