Definition of the word defensiveness

The origin of the word "defensiveness" can be traced back to the late 19th century, when it first appeared in English as a medical term. The word comes from the Latin prefix "de-" meaning "away" or "off" and the verb "fendo" meaning "to drive away" or "to defend." Initially, "defensiveness" was used in a medical context to describe a physical response to a perceived threat, such as an infection or disease, where the body mounts a defensive reaction to fight off the threat. In the early 20th century, the term started to be used more broadly to describe a psychological response to a perceived threat, particularly in interpersonal relationships. Psychologists began to use the term to describe a defensive strategy used by individuals as a way to protect themselves from perceived criticism, attacks, or negative feedback. This behavior often involves a combination of denial, justification, and blame-shifting. Over time, the concept of defensiveness has become a part of popular culture, as people use the term to describe a variety of behaviors, such as avoiding criticism, denying responsibility, or respond to feedback in a passive-aggressive manner.