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Defensiveness: meaning, definitions and examples

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defensiveness

 

[ dɪˈfɛnsɪvnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

Defensiveness is a behavior that people use when they feel threatened or attacked. It involves putting up walls to protect oneself from perceived harm.

Synonyms

guarding, self-protection, vulnerability

Examples of usage

  • Her defensiveness was evident in her immediate reaction to criticism.
  • When faced with confrontation, his defensiveness often leads to arguments.
  • The defensiveness in their relationship was hindering open communication.
Context #2 | Noun

in communication

Defensiveness refers to the tendency to react with a defensive attitude when receiving feedback or criticism. This can hinder effective communication and problem-solving.

Synonyms

reactivity, resistance, self-justification

Examples of usage

  • His defensiveness made it difficult to have a constructive conversation.
  • The defensiveness in the team was affecting their ability to work together.
  • Addressing defensiveness is key to improving interpersonal relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "defensiveness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 defensividade

🇮🇳 रक्षात्मकता

🇩🇪 Abwehrhaltung

🇮🇩 defensif

🇺🇦 оборонність

🇵🇱 obronność

🇯🇵 防御的態度

🇫🇷 défensivité

🇪🇸 defensividad

🇹🇷 savunmacılık

🇰🇷 방어적 태도

🇸🇦 الدفاعية

🇨🇿 obrannost

🇸🇰 obrannosť

🇨🇳 防御性

🇸🇮 obrambnost

🇮🇸 varnarviðhorf

🇰🇿 қорғану

🇬🇪 თავდაცვითობა

🇦🇿 müdafiə

🇲🇽 defensividad

Etymology

The word 'defensiveness' originates from the verb 'defend' which dates back to the 13th century. The suffix '-iveness' is used to form abstract nouns from adjectives, indicating the quality or state of being. In the context of psychology and communication, defensiveness has been studied extensively to understand human behavior and interpersonal dynamics.

See also: defenseless, defenselessly, defenses, defensibility, defensible, defensively, indefensible.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,511, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.