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Superlative for used or intended to defend or protect
“The city was enclosed by a defensive wall and a moat.”
Superlative 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.”
Superlative for wary, on guard for danger
“This insecurity leads us to be highly defensive and watchful for our own safety.”
Superlative 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.”
Superlative 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.”
Superlative 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.”
Superlative for carried out as a precaution
Superlative for of, pertaining to, or exhibiting opposition
Superlative for resistant and unwilling to accept or consider
Superlative for promoting or producing vindication
Superlative for responding to or acting to counteract something when it happens (rather than beforehand)
(zoology) Superlative for defensive or repulsive, particularly as applied to glands of certain invertebrates
Superlative for in a state of hostile conflict
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