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Defensiveness Definition & Meaning

defensiveness
noun
  1. excessive sensitivity to criticism; "his defensiveness was manifested in hurt silence"; "the fear of being sued for malpractice has magnified physicians' defensiveness"

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Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "defensiveness" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for defensiveness to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does defensiveness mean?
excessive sensitivity to criticism; "his defensiveness was manifested in hurt silence"; "the fear of being sued for malpractice has magnified physicians' defensiveness"
What part of speech is defensiveness?
Defensiveness is a noun.

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