adjective non-defensive excessively concerned with guarding against the real or imagined threat of criticism, injury to one's ego, or exposure of one's shortcomings. 1 noun non-defensive a position or attitude of defense: to be on the defensive about one's mistakes. 1 See all 7 definitions of non-defensive
What is the meaning of nondefense?
Definition of nondefense. : not related to or used for a nation's military defenses. nondefense spending. nondefense businesses/industries.
What is the opposite of being defensive?
The opposite of the definition of defensive is “unprotective” or “unwary”. Someone who is not defensive is not concerned about protecting themselves. When you understand both what a word means and exactly what it doesn’t mean, it can help you avoid mixed-up meanings, word choice can be important in getting your message across.
What is the meaning of defensive behavior?
What is a defensive person? A defensive person is someone who shows behaviors that are defensive. Psychology’s “Defensive” definition is important to understand. One definition of defensive is “devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack”.
What does “defensively” mean?
“Defensively” (adverb) describes the nature of a behavior. But, simply reading the definition of defensive might not always help a person understand how to use it in a sentence.
What is non-defensive behavior?
We are using non-defensive communication when we ask questions, make statements and predict consequences in an open, sincere way without trying to control how other people respond. We can gather accurate information, speak with clarity, protect ourselves, and hold others more accountable.
How do you communicate in a non-defensive way?
Ways To Communicate Without Being DefensiveBe Secure In Who You Are. You're less likely to get defensive or hurt over something when you know for sure that it's not true. ... Stop Retaliating & Genuinely Listen. ... Use "I" Statements. ... Think Long-Term Instead Of Short-Term. ... Learn How To Receive Criticism. ... It's OK To Be Wrong.
What is defensive and non-defensive communication?
As a person becomes more defensive, he or she becomes less and less able to perceive accurately the message and the motives of the speaker. On the other hand, supportive, non-threatening communication reduces the likelihood of distorted perceptions on the part of the listener.
How do you respond to non defensively?
Responding Non-Defensively to CriticismSeek more information ….Ask the other to be specific ….Paraphrase the speaker's ideas ….Ask how the critic would like you to change ….Ask about the consequences of your behaviour….Ask if there is anything else ….Agree with the critic ….
What is non defensive listening?
Non-defensive listening—above all else, even above non-defensive responding—is about focusing on the other person's communication in order to understand, get clarity, and respond, rather than react, appropriately. Without all the stonewalling.
What is the opposite of being defensive?
Opposite of intended to protect someone or something. offensive. attacking. careless. harmful.
What are some examples of defensive behavior?
Are You Being Defensive? Signs of Defensive BehaviorStop listening to the other person completely.Trying justifying your actions.Accuse someone else of doing the mistake.Blame another person.Make excuses about what they are criticizing.Bring up the past instances rather than talking about the present situation.
How do you respond to non defensively when being criticized?
Here are six ways to respond to criticism and maintain your self-respect:Listen before you speak.Ask questions.Focus on the facts.Communicate by phone or in-person to avoid miscommunication.Talk with another person to gain perspective.Reflect on the situation that led to the criticism.
What makes someone defensive?
You may become defensive if you are trying to hide the truth about something or lying. A reaction to attacks on your character or behavior. If you feel as though you need to justify actions you have taken or some aspect of your character, then you may respond in a defensive manner.
What does being defensive mean?
1 : serving to defend or protect (as the ego) face-saving is a common defensive reaction — Psychology Today. 2 : devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack defensive behavior. Other Words from defensive.
How do I become less defensive in a relationship?
How To Stop Being Defensive with John Gottman's Antidode to DefensivenessListen to the truth within the criticism. ... Reach beyond the negativity and attempt to give the benefit of the doubt. ... Validate your partner's perception (even if you disagree) ... Tell your partner what you agree with.
What is the opposite of defensive communication?
Answer and Explanation: Supportive communication is the opposite of defensive communication. Defensive communication arises among individuals when they react in a defensive manner or withdraw from communication when there is a perceived threat.
What is one strategy for appropriate self disclosure in interpersonal relationships?
What is one strategy for appropriate self-disclosure in interpersonal relationships? Reveal information to others as they reveal information to you.
How to start a conversation in a non-defense way?
To start a conversation in a non-defense way, it is important to avoid blaming the other person for the problem. You will also want to be careful not to make character assassinations or make generalizations. Instead, focus on what you see or hear.
What is the most critical part of any non-confrontational conversation?
The most critical part of any non-confrontational conversation is to make a request for how things can be done differently in the future. By doing so, you are letting the other person know that you are not interested in holding grudges or complaining. Rather, you are interested in working towards a constructive solution to the problem.
What does it mean to be defensive?
A reaction to shame or guilt. If you are feeling guilty about something and someone else brings up a related topic, then you might respond in a defensive manner. A reaction to hiding the truth. You may become defensive if you are trying to hide the truth about something or lying.
What Is Defensiveness?
Defensiveness refers to both a feeling and a behavior. The feeling is typically elicited when you feel as though someone is being critical of you, and results in shame, sadness, and anger.
What is defensiveness in psychology?
Defensiveness refers to both a feeling and a behavior. The feeling is typically elicited when you feel as though someone is being critical of you, and results in shame, sadness, and anger. In turn, behavior usually results from the feeling, such as being sarcastic, giving someone the silent treatment, or being critical in return.
How to defuse a defensive person?
Once you have started to notice when you become defensive, it’s important to start validating your feelings when you are criticized. The simple act of acknowledging that you feel hurt, worried, ashamed, fearful, or insecure can help to defuse the situation.
How to stop defensive behavior?
The first step to stopping your defensive behavior is to actually become aware of when it is happening. It’s easy to avoid confronting your behavior or acknowledging that you are behaving in a defensive manner.
Why is it important to be defensive?
If there are specific issues or areas of your life about which you are more likely to become defensive, then it may be helpful to do things that make you feel more confident or boost your self esteem.
Do you have to take action when you feel defensive?
While it might make sense that you feel defensive, that doesn’t mean that you necessarily have to take action. Instead, you can show yourself compassion for how you are feeling, and recognize that everyone feels this way from time to time.
What does it mean when someone is defensive?
Generally, when people talk about someone becoming defensive in the context of a conversation, they are meaning that that someone is engaging in emotionally defensive maneuvers designed to ward off their having to experience some unwanted feeling or admit responsibility for some disowned act. People who are acting defensively are essentially trying to protect themselves from feeling a certain uncomfortable way, and from viewing themselves as a failure or otherwise in a negative light.
What is defensive behavior?
People who are acting defensively are essentially trying to protect themselves from feeling a certain uncomfortable way, and from viewing themselves as a failure or otherwise in a negative light. In this light, all of your examples are potentially reasonable examples of defensive behavior.
What does it mean when someone says "It's not my fault"?
Someone who says "It’s not my fault" is attempting to distance him or herself from accepting responsibility for an action.
Is the best defense a good offense?
This is a slightly more complex form of defensive which takes a cue from the old saying "the best defense is a good offense". Here, responsibility is accepted, briefly, and then essentially negated by that person going on the attack and accusing the other person in the conversation of some crime.
What does "defensive" mean in the dictionary?
Our modern word “defensive” from the middle English “ defensif ” meaning “Guarding or shielding from attack or injury.” We have a number of words from defensive that are in common use today that more-or-less convey the same idea.
What does it mean when someone is defensive?
A defensive person can also be someone that has low self-esteem or that has a difficult time listening to criticisms about themself. It’s best not to try to self-diagnosis why someone’s behavior is defensive. If you want to explore this behavior in yourself or your partner, you could try working with a therapist.
How to be less defensive?
The good news is that there are other behaviors that will create a less defensive and more supportive climate. These are the behaviors that make defensive behavior less likely: 1 Rather than placing a judgment on the person you're talking to, you merely describe whatever actions, words, or qualities you want to discuss. 2 You show care, concern and empathy for them. 3 Instead of planning out what you're going to get from someone and the words and actions that you think will get it, you stay focused on the present moment and respond to what's happening right now. 4 You don't try to control someone else with your words and behavior. Instead, you try to work with them to solve a problem that's coming between you. 5 You treat the other person like an equal person. Even if you may have certain things or abilities they don't have, you do see them as an equal partner in solving the problem. 6 You take an investigative approach rather than taking sides. You honestly consider the other person's viewpoint.
How does being defensive affect your relationships?
If you often react to others in a defensive way, you might end up in a relationship that becomes unhealthier day by day. If you're defensive with your loved ones, you may create a very hostile, tense environment in your home.
Why is defensive driving good?
For example, defensive driving is good because you’re driving in a way to keep everyone on the road safe.
What are the causes of defensive behavior?
A wide variety of things can contribute to defensive disorders. Any time that your mental health or physical health is compromised, it can lead to defensive behavior.
What does it mean to defend something?
Defending something or someone is protecting them . A country can take military action to defend itself. Or parents might defend their child against danger. When you're being defensive in a psychological sense, you're often attempting to defend yourself from someone or something important to you.
What is the difference between defensiveness and defense mechanisms?
Though they sound similar, defensiveness is usually a behavior that we are aware of, while defense mechanisms are habits that we use without realizing it. These are unconscious reactions our minds have learned to protect us from what we perceive as painful thoughts and emotions.
Why do we use defensive behavior?
Defensive behavior can come from multiple defense mechanisms we use in an attempt to avoid the threat to our self-esteem caused by criticism. A few examples include:
Why do we feel defensive?
Defensiveness is when we try to counter or deny criticisms in areas in which we feel sensitive. For many, this is a way to emotionally protect ourselves. Our brain instinctively kicks into " fight or flight" mode when we think we are in trouble, which can lead to overwhelming emotions like anger and anxiety. Even if we aren't in bodily danger, we can feel under attack when it seems like someone is threatening our sense of identity, key values, or worth.
What is defensive driving?
Defensive driving is a set of valuable skills that give you the ability to defend yourself while on the road. This includes avoiding collisions caused by oblivious drivers, intoxicated drivers, or inclement weather.
Why is defensive driving important?
Defensive driving is more important than ever to ensure your driving trips are always safe.
What are the skills needed for defensive driving?
The skills necessary for defensive driving are a mix of preparing, observing, and reacting appropriately. Defensive drivers follow these main practices:
Is Defensive Driving School the Same as Drivers Education?
Defensive driving and driver’s education are not the same. Drivers education may include defensive driving skills but its focus is on teaching an individual how to drive, read traffic signs, and be aware of driving laws.
Why are defensive stocks considered noncyclical?
Defensive stocks are also known as noncyclical stocks because they are not highly correlated with the business cycle. Below are a few types of defensive stocks.
What Is a Defensive Stock?
A defensive stock is a stock that provides consistent dividends and stable earnings regardless of the state of the overall stock market. There is a constant demand for their products, so defensive stocks tend to be more stable during the various phases of the business cycle. Defensive stocks should not be confused with defense stocks, which are the stocks of companies that manufacture things like weapons, ammunition, and fighter jets.
Why are defensive stocks good?
Defensive stocks offer the substantial benefit of similar long-term gains with lower risk than other stocks. On the downside, the low volatility of defensive stocks often leads to smaller gains during bull markets and a cycle of mistiming the market.
Why are defensive stocks less likely to go bankrupt?
Defensive stocks are also less likely to face bankruptcy because of their relative strength during downturns.
Why do investors abandon defensive stocks?
Unfortunately, many investors abandon defensive stocks out of frustration with underperformance late in a bull market, when they really need them most. After a downturn in the market, investors sometimes rush into defensive stocks, even though it is too late.
What are the advantages of defensive stocks?
Advantages of Defensive Stocks. Defensive stocks offer the substantial benefit of similar long-term gains with lower risk than other stocks. Defensive stocks as a group have a higher Sharpe ratio than the stock market as a whole. That is a strong argument that defensive stocks are objectively better investments than other stocks.
Is pharmaceutical stock defensive?
Shares of major pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers have historically been considered defensive stocks. After all, there will always be sick people in need of care. However, increased competition from new drugs and uncertainty surrounding regulations mean that they aren't as defensive as they once were.
