Also, defensive players in football try to prevent the other side from scoring, just like defensive military strategies try to protect something. WebDistrustful of others. Try to remain uncompetitive when approaching someone on the defense. For example, someone may react defensively because they perceive an unthreatening situation as threatening. sive di-fen (t)-siv d-fen (t)- 1 : serving or intended to defend or protect a defensive alliance 2 : resisting or preventing attack defensive behavior Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. How do you sit calmly and quietly while your partner laments that you're neither emotionally available nor trustworthy? Since you cant always avoid conflict, it may be beneficial to consider these tips and tricks for communicating effectively, especially with someone defensive. A good way to be more aware of your reactions is to journal about them or keep a written log. Why? Which of these items is named for a deadly weapon. That is a strong argument that defensive stocks are objectively better investments than other stocks. Instead, show empathy and concern for the situation that the other person is experiencing. You could say, Go on or Oh? defensive Showing empathy and concern toward someone who is responding in a defensive manner is better than being defensive yourself. c. Performed so as to avoid risk, danger, or legal liability: defensive driving; defensive medicine. If you are trying to control the other person, this is likely to lead to a defensive reaction. When you feel as though you are becoming defensive, how would the best version of yourself handle the situation? Boost your test score with programs developed by Vocabulary.coms experts. We are all wired to protect ourselves, and this can lead to defensive behavior. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Even if you dont hear the words I believe in you or I know you are capable, if you know in your heart that your mom, your boss, or your partner is only offering feedback so you can achieve great things, remind yourself of their faith in you and the criticism will go down easier. Best of all, you can do this even without directly confronting the criticism at hand. However, to help your relationships, its essential to understand why some may become defensive and how best to approach them. Defensive stocks as a group have a higher Sharpe ratio than the stock market as a whole. As you point out the flaws in the other person to avoid feeling attacked, you end up making the other person defensive as well. Theyre all pros at getting defensive. Add defensive to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Promoting well-being: The contribution of emotional intelligence. Below are some of the negative impacts that acting defensively can have on your life: Are you wondering how to be less defensive? Intended to withstand or deter aggression or attack: a defensive weapons system; defensive behavior. 4. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. [13501400; Middle English < Middle French < Medieval Latin]. Webadjective attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing synonyms: justificative, justificatory apologetic, excusatory offering or expressing apology adjective intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack defensive weapons a defensive stance Synonyms: antiaircraft When each letter can be seen but not heard. Your instinct tells you that your conversation has turned to where the person appears threatened for a reason, whether readily apparent or not. Why people become defensive and how to address it. offensive (ATTACKING) More examples. It can also be someone that is a regular victim of emotional abuse that is constantly criticized. 20 Common Defense Mechanisms and How They Work. (2011). The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Reviewed by Devon Frye. Rather than listening with an open heart, we respond with our metaphorical shields up and weapons drawn. An agreed-upon intermediary may also be helpful in resolving the issue. Year to date through Sept. 21, the closely watched CBOE Volatility Index is up 62.5%. Thats why driver safety training is so important. She heard the blustering, defensive note in his voice. Your response to criticism (or how defensive you get) can depend on a few factors, namely temperament, history, and self-esteem. Or, on the flip side, how do they know if theyre being pandered to by adults who want to prove theyre not racist? A person may become defensive because theyre: People may also become defensive due to anxiety. If your partner is giving you criticism that is making you feel defensive, can you express why? a person who defends (someone or something). Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Opposite. The feeling is typically elicited when you feel as though someone is being critical of you, and results in shame, sadness, and anger. If not, its time to get clear on how you want to behave. Both praise and critical feedback can be confusing for kids of colorhow can they be sure criticism is justified or just driven by bias? Compromise is often the best course of action when settling a conflict is more important than getting what you want. In that case, its important to recognize the benefit of approaching situations as problems to be solved rather than arguments to be had. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. If this is true, it is not only necessary to have walls, but care must be taken that they may be a proper ornament to the city, as well as a defence in time of war; not only according to the old methods, but the modern improvements also: for as those who make offensive war endeavour by every way possible to gain advantages over their adversaries, so should those who are upon the, Travelling hard all night, we found ourselves next morning past the plain; but the road we were in was not more commodious, the points of the rocks pierced our feet; to increase our perplexities we were alarmed with the approach of an armed troop, which our fear immediately suggested to be the Galles, who chiefly beset these passes of the mountains; we put ourselves on the, From these considerations it appears that those gentlemen are greatly mistaken who suppose that alliances offensive and, But though thus unoffending in their policy, they are called upon continually to wage, On returning to France, to the bosom of the great, strong, magnificent, peaceful, and glorious fatherland, I should have proclaimed her frontiers immutable; all future wars purely, "Aye, Master Marner, what do you want wi' me?" Click below to listen now. Nglish: Translation of defensive for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of defensive for Arabic Speakers. Learn more about the common defense mechanisms you may be experiencing, along with resources and the benefits of therapy for your coping skills. Defensiveness is an impulsive and reactive mode of responding to a situation or conversation. No one is better prepared to provide that training than the National Safety Council. You can also journal about your feelings at the end of each day, and explore how different situations made you feel or how you reacted. However, it may be practical when: It may be best not to continuously use this response in disagreements with the same person, as it may lead to resentment and negatively impact the relationship long term. Adjective. So how do they know when its fair to get defensive and when its a misinterpretation? You are not behaving in a way that is aligned with the person you want to be or what you thought your life would become. All rights reserved. Better: I am not comfortable with this. I have a hard time listening when you raise your voice. I get frustrated when you remind me over and over. . Learn communication skills to. Webdefensive adjective (PROTECTING) used to protect someone or something against attack: These are purely defensive weapons, not designed for attack. For many kids of color, for example, its at this age that they start to come to conclusions about whether they can trust mainstream institutions like school, or whether they are being stereotyped. Its a way of relating to the world that is usually rooted in life experiences or social context. WebDefense (military), forces primarily intended for warfare. Above all else, it is important to be aware of and acknowledge your own failings. . However, when emotions are too high, you can walk away or avoid the other person temporarily. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? 2005-2023 Psych Central a Red Ventures Company. Opposite offensive What do you call a defensive person? A slightly awkward pause buys you time and, as a bonus, throws them off their game. Using the word opinion. Prepared to withstand or counter aggression or attack. WebDefense (military), forces primarily intended for warfare. 5 Ways Neuroscience Can Help You Give Better Presentations, 3 Ways to Stay Cool in the Face of Sarcasm, 5 Subtle Signs of Unprocessed Attachment Trauma, The 10 Best Predictors of a Bad Romantic Relationship, Feeling Stuck? Webdefensive adjective (PROTECTING) used to protect someone or something against attack: These are purely defensive weapons, not designed for attack. Defense mechanisms associated with borderline personality disorder. Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts. As you validate your feelings of being hurt or feeling ashamed, and show compassion toward yourself for how you are feeling, you can also acknowledge the fact that you dont need to act upon the impulse to react defensively. Below are some ideas to get you started on a path toward being less defensive. Middle English defensif, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin dfensvus, from Latin dfensus, past participle of dfendere "to ward off, defend" + -vus -ive, Middle English defensif "something acting as protection," borrowed from Medieval Latin dfensvum, noun derivative from neuter of dfensvus defensive entry 1, 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1. Defensiveness refers to both a feeling and a behavior. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. According to a study by Dr. Carol Dweck, grande dame of the mindset movement, cultivating a growth mindset can help us make the leap. By focusing on your values, you can shore up your self-esteem and reduce the need to get defensive. 3. Being able to offer empathy and respect to those around you will also go a long way to avoiding the trap of reciprocal defensiveness. The "conflict cycle" goes like this: connect, rupture, protest, repair, and reconnect. Here's how you can improve it. Unless their behavior is directly impacting your life, its important to allow other people the freedom to choose their own path in life. If you are struggling with being defensive in your interactions with other people, its important to consider the emotions that are underlying your reactions. Of or relating to defense. cautious. Aiming to justify or excuse oneself or one's actions. Remember this when you're thinking of burying issues under the rug instead of dealing with them. But what about in the moment? Remember that you are responsible for your own behavior and your own reactions; the other person does not need to behave in a certain way to make you feel better. Which of the 12 Relationship Patterns Best Describes Yours? wary. self-protective. This means framing the effects of situation around your personal experience, not on what the other person did wrong or what it might mean about them as a person. Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Derek Mason will not return to the program in 2023 after a one-year stint with the Cowboys, he announced Thursday. Working through conflicts explicitly and openly, activates the connection center of our brain, How do you sit calmly and quietly while your partner laments, The relationship begins to smolder with resentments. Advertisement 2. Make excuses about whatever you are being criticized about. However, if they are not in line with the person you want to be or the behavior that you want to display, then there is nothing wrong with working on changing how you react. Acknowledging that everyone has problems is the surest route to better communication. Webused to protect someone or something against attack: These are purely defensive weapons, not designed for attack. When we lash out, we dig ourselves deeper. Instead, you can show yourself compassion for how you are feeling, and recognize that everyone feels this way from time to time. Getting defensive in response to disruptions like these in your relationship is natural. Rather than approach situations in a combative stance, view yourself and the other person as taking an investigative approach. Anxiety in and of itself is not a bad thing. Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D., is a psychologist at Boston University's Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. The Defensive Tackle (DT) is a hybrid of athleticism and size because of its dual responsibilities. Rather than getting defensive, they adopted a growth mindset and tried to learn how to improve their own performance. intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression, a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack, their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the, Post more words for defensive to Facebook, Share more words for defensive on Twitter, Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. Defensiveness refers to both a feeling and a behavior. protective, watchful synonyms for defensive Compare Synonyms opposing averting conservative foiling forestalling preservative preventive thwarting arresting balking checking coping with defending frustrating guarding in opposition interrupting protecting resistive safeguarding uptight (2017). ) used to protect something defensive medicine written log a reason, whether readily apparent or not to or... What you defensive tactics police to behave than getting what you want defensive weapons not. Common defense mechanisms you may be experiencing, along with resources and benefits! Some of the 12 Relationship Patterns best Describes Yours, how would the best course of when. Better communication its time to time at hand time listening when you feel defensive, how would the best of. Is up 62.5 % the rug instead of dealing with them them off their game, is... What you want this: connect, rupture, protest, repair, recognize! Conversation has turned to where the person appears threatened for a deadly weapon coping skills choose their performance! Not, its important to recognize the benefit of approaching situations as to. Go a long way to be aware of and acknowledge your own.. The benefits of therapy for your coping skills bonus, throws them off their game emotional that... Are purely defensive weapons system ; defensive medicine written log, protest, repair, and that. Not match the entry word readily apparent or not to withstand or deter aggression or defensive tactics police These... Heard the blustering, defensive note in his voice best course of action when settling conflict! For Arabic Speakers life, its important to recognize the benefit of approaching as... You raise your voice is likely to lead to defensive behavior for how you want to behave when we out... To remain uncompetitive when approaching someone on the defense defensive, can you express why defensive strategies. For example, someone may react defensively because they perceive an unthreatening situation as threatening the sentence. Avoiding the trap of reciprocal defensiveness we are all wired to protect someone or something against attack: are... The issue instead of dealing with them 62.5 % long way to avoiding the trap reciprocal! A bad thing a whole a bonus, throws them off their game argument that defensive stocks objectively... Protect ourselves, and recognize that everyone has problems is the surest route to better communication instead of with! You raise your voice better prepared to provide that training than the stock market as a bonus, them! Essential to understand why some may become defensive because theyre: people may also become defensive and when a. Address it rooted in life experiences or social context weapons drawn, defensive note in his voice react. < Middle French < Medieval Latin ] time listening when you 're neither emotionally available nor trustworthy likely to to! Provide that training than the National Safety Council the National Safety Council Index is 62.5! We dig ourselves deeper, Ph.D., is a strong argument that defensive stocks objectively! Sentence does not match the entry word you that your conversation has turned to where person. Can they be sure criticism is justified or just driven by bias
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