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Glite Dictionary
bunker mentality

bunker mentality

2 7.9
A defensive, isolated attitude people develop after being criticized many times
  • noun
  • /ˈbʌŋkər mɛnˈtælɪti/
translation icon : mentalidad de bunker
  • As the negative feedback increased, the organization developed a bunker mentality, isolating itself from outside perspectives.
  • adopt a bunker mentality
  • bunker mentality has been counterproductive
  • bunker mentality administration

Examples

  • If the Games do not go well, there will be infighting and blame-shifting within the party's central leadership, and it will likely adopt a bunker mentality.

    Academic text (2008)

  • And the office as a whole should be very proactive about it, not taking a bunker mentality.

    Blog text (34)

  • I think the 47% thing sent them into a tailspin, and they decided to get into a bunker mentality.

    Blog text (14)

  • That bunker mentality set the entire system up for a fall—and now the system is broken.

    Blog text (19)

  • Furthermore, there is a tendency in campaigns that face the scrutiny that only exists in a presidential race to develop a bunker mentality that makes it hard to receive legitimate critiques.

    Blog text (8)

  • After facing constant criticism, the team adopted a bunker mentality and stopped communicating with the media.

  • The constant attacks from competitors led the startup to embrace a bunker mentality, avoiding any collaboration with industry partners.

Synonyms

defensiveness
vsbunker mentality
10 6.4

Feeling hurt by criticism and trying to protect yourself

is more extreme and isolating often after repeated attacks or pressure
defensive attitude
vsbunker mentality
5.2

Trying to protect yourself from criticism by denying or making excuses

is more extreme and isolating after repeated criticism or pressure

Antonyms

openness
22 3.5

Being honest and clear about your actions and intentions

receptiveness
1 4.6

A willingness to accept new ideas or feedback

How Defensive

bunker mentality
2 7.9
defensiveness
10 6.4
wariness
6 5.4
caution
158 2.5

Surface Forms

bunker mentality singular
bunker mentalities plural

Morphology

bunker + mentality

The literal meanings of 'bunker' (a strongly built protective shelter) and 'mentality' (an outlook or attitude) give a clear metaphoric cue that the phrase refers to a defensive, isolated mindset. However, understanding that the physical protection sense maps onto a psychological stance requires a metaphorical inference that many B1 learners may not automatically make without prior exposure, so it is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Bunker mentality comes from the image of people inside a bunker, a very strong shelter where soldiers hide and stay shut away from the outside, refusing to listen to others. That's why it now means an attitude of being very 'defensive' and 'isolated'.