This makes sense partly because these families make more efficient use of time - they don't waste it by responding defensively to unthreatening calls.

The American responded defensively by pulling a weapon and fired two shots.

Most analysts of the industry respond defensively when asked for reasons, saying that many prices had been flat for a long time.

The detective polished his stylish glasses as he responded defensively, "For a while.

PT-346 did not respond defensively until it was too late, and took heavy casualties.

He responded defensively, becoming eventually what his enemies had called him all along: a dictator.

I don't have a good side," Diane responded defensively.

"Don't blame me for all this," he responded defensively.

The decision was a complete turnaround from Thursday, when the mayor, besieged by complaints, seemed to respond defensively.

Sometimes they are simply responding defensively to criticism, but increasingly the questions represent frustration over what school people consider unreasonable demands.