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defensiveness

Definitions of defensiveness
  1. noun
    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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    types:
    bunker mentality
    defensiveness resulting from repeated attacks
    type of:
    sensitiveness, sensitivity
    the ability to respond to affective changes in your interpersonal environment
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