But by tonight, after word of the killing, officials here had grown defensive.

Still, down at the barber shop, customers grew defensive when a visitor brought up the subject.

Once it appears he is secure in his decisions, he grows defensive.

In his absence, the Democrats have grown dour and defensive.

But they are growing restless and defensive over the attacks on racial quotas.

We talked there for 90 minutes, and he never once grew defensive or refused to answer a question.

"I'm not saying anything that other people haven't said," Muller replied, his tone growing more defensive with each word.

But he grew testy at times and more defensive as the morning hearing wore into the afternoon.

Instead of growing defensive, as was his nature, the big man tried hard to see things from Elbryan's perspective.

But then she grew defensive about her approach to charity.