defense mechanism
noun
1
: an often unconscious mental process (such as repression) that makes possible compromise solutions to personal problems
2
: a defensive reaction by an organism
Examples of defense mechanism in a Sentence
She is projecting her anger on you as a defense mechanism.
the cell's normal defense mechanisms against infection
Recent Examples on the Web
The council’s proposals involve the Gulf countries deepening their own economic integration, establishing joint defense mechanisms, and then somehow resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a now practically impossible two-state solution.
—
Maha Yahya, Foreign Affairs, 17 Feb. 2025
From creative hunting tactics to cheeky defense mechanisms, these snake species substantiate the famed qualities chronicled in the Jade Emperor’s long-ago competition.
—Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025
It’s called intellectualizing as a defense mechanism.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025
Exhibiting behavior similar to symptoms of rabies is part of the animal's defense mechanism against predators.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defense mechanism
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Maha Yahya, Foreign Affairs, 17 Feb. 2025
From creative hunting tactics to cheeky defense mechanisms, these snake species substantiate the famed qualities chronicled in the Jade Emperor’s long-ago competition.
—Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025
It’s called intellectualizing as a defense mechanism.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025
Exhibiting behavior similar to symptoms of rabies is part of the animal's defense mechanism against predators.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defense mechanism
Cite this Entry
“Defense mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defense%20mechanism. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
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