passive-aggressive personality [L, passivus + aggressus, combative, persona, character] , a personality characterized by a chronically negativistic disposition with passive resistance and aggression manifested by forceful actions or attitudes expressed in an indirect, nonviolent manner, such as pouting, obstructionism, procrastination, inefficiency, stubbornness, and forgetfulness. Compare aggressive personality, passive-dependent personality. See also passive-aggressive personality disorder.
