| It was left to the New York Times to deplore the defensiveness of much of the debate. |
| Tara crossed her arms over her chest, fighting the feeling of defensiveness she got whenever he spoke to her like that. |
| I think the BBC itself needs to avoid defensiveness, and engage with its critics. |
| He observes more closely what happens in relationships, without criticism or defensiveness. |
| The question of alliances with dictators, of deals with the devil, can be approached openly, forthrightly and without any need for defensiveness. |
| Changing the organization often results in a milieu characterized by defensiveness and feelings of insecurity. |
