Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

siege-mentality

noun

/siːdʒ mɛnˈtæl.ɪ.ti/

Definition

A psychological state in which an individual or group adopts a defensive and paranoid outlook, perceiving external threats and feeling besieged by circumstances or adversaries.

Examples

The company’s executive team seemed to have developed a siege mentality, believing that competitors were constantly trying to undermine their success.
After years of perceived injustice, the community developed a siege mentality, fostering solidarity but also resentment toward outsiders.
His constant complaints about management’s actions reflected a siege mentality, where he felt personally attacked at every turn.

Meaning

Siege mentality refers to a mindset where individuals or groups view themselves as being under constant attack or scrutiny, often leading to a sense of isolation and defensiveness.