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
Jod suggested that some sort of defense mechanism is also in play, but Brutus wasn’t having it.
—
Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 7 Jan. 2025
To help patients understand anxiety, therapists often compare it to being chased by a tiger, since anxiety was originally a defense mechanism against predators like tigers.
—Kathryn Kvas, The New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2024
Among their notable characteristics, these fish have a parrot-like beak and can inflate their bodies by swallowing mouthfuls of water as a defense mechanism against predators.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Tony Khan And The ‘Ethan Page Effect’ Khan’s decision to keep disgruntled talent under contract, while polarizing, is also a defense mechanism.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for defense mechanism 
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Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 7 Jan. 2025
To help patients understand anxiety, therapists often compare it to being chased by a tiger, since anxiety was originally a defense mechanism against predators like tigers.
—Kathryn Kvas, The New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2024
Among their notable characteristics, these fish have a parrot-like beak and can inflate their bodies by swallowing mouthfuls of water as a defense mechanism against predators.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Tony Khan And The ‘Ethan Page Effect’ Khan’s decision to keep disgruntled talent under contract, while polarizing, is also a defense mechanism.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for defense mechanism
Dictionary Entries Near defense mechanism
Cite this Entry
“Defense mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defense%20mechanism. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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