crossed arms
Guarded body language
Crossed arms describes the posture of folding one's arms across the chest, each hand tucked near the opposite elbow.
The gesture often signals defensiveness, resistance, or emotional guardedness: She listened with crossed arms, clearly unconvinced.
It can also indicate comfort or patience—someone waiting calmly or feeling cold.
Context determines whether crossed arms suggest hostility or simply a resting position.
- defensiveProtective or easily threatened
- guardedWary and restrained
- closedNot accessible now
- closed offBarred from access
- postureBody position, alignment
stubborn · resistant · impatient · waiting · hard to read · folded · protective · standoffish · annoyed · skeptical · disapproval · barrier · body language · power stance · stern · defiant · uncomfortable · cold
- body languagegestures, facial expressions, hand gestures, posture, nodding
- posesstanding pose, sitting pose, seated pose, kneeling pose, reclining pose
- rejection gestureshead shake, palm out, finger wag, dismissive wave, brush off
- behaviorshabit, aggressive, agitation, conduct, passive
- gesturesgesture, hand gestures, applause, hand raise, tap on shoulder
- defensive gesturesflinching, cowering, cringing, ducking, recoiling
crossed armsopen arms
Welcoming body language
outstretched arms · relaxed posture · hands on hips · palms up · open stance
crossed armswarm embrace
Affectionate encircling hold
hug · handshake · leaning in · reaching out · arms extended
cross, crossed, crosses, crossing, crossings, crosser, crisscross, crosswise, crossroad