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passive-aggressive

The definition of passive aggressive is behavior that is exhibited by a person who is dissatisfied, uncooperative or unhappy but who doesn't want to be overtly mean or rude. Instead, the person behaves in a subtly contrary way.

(adjective)

An example of passive aggressive is secretly turning the air conditioning up every time your spouse leaves the house because you have fought about what temperature to keep it on in the past.

See passive-aggressive in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Psychol. designating or of a personality, a person, or behavior characterized by disguised resistance to the demands or expectations of others, that is expressed in hindering progress, as by procrastination, stubbornness, or inefficiency

See passive-aggressive in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Of, relating to, or having a personality disorder characterized by habitual passive resistance to demands for adequate performance in occupational or social situations, as by procrastination, stubbornness, sullenness, and inefficiency.

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