Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When Marco confides in him, he feels both empathy and self-protectiveness, a desire not to be “recruited in support of some defunct male prerogative.”

From The New Yorker • Apr. 30, 2019

For all of her emotional self-protectiveness, at critical junctures Berenson has been unwilling, or possibly unable, to perceive the dangers incurred by her words or actions.

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2011

There is also self-protectiveness seen in his left slant.

From Time Magazine Archive

The true lesson from this is one of perseverance and thoroughness for the improver, and one of faith in the self-protectiveness of a healthy society for the conservative.

From On Compromise by Morley, John

"You speak like a Calvinist," she answered, rather ruffled, "with the quintessence of self-protectiveness; and I don't believe you mean a word you say."

From Ships That Pass in the Night by Harraden, Beatrice