siege mentality

American

noun

a state of mind whereby one believes that one is being constantly attacked, oppressed, or isolated.

siege mentality British

noun

a state of mind in which a person believes that he or she is being constantly oppressed or attacked

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of siege mentality

First recorded in 1965–70

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.

It is that siege mentality that served Hearts so well over the past few days, and why it might just spur them on to a remarkable title win.

From BBC

The siege mentality of these gated communities exacted an immense human toll on employees, struggling for essentials like water or electricity.

From MarketWatch

And Stokes said his team will not be creating a siege mentality as extra motivation for winning back the urn.

From BBC

But maybe that's what this Scottish side needs – a siege mentality.

From BBC

He created a siege mentality which served Forest well and, despite both being big characters, it appeared a perfect match between him and Marinakis.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023