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
This signals plant cells to activate a variety of defense mechanisms.
—
Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025
Infidelity, in this case, becomes an unconscious defense mechanism—a way to reaffirm their internal belief that relationships always end in pain.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
The Saudi negotiations with Iran that China fostered in March 2023, for example, did not reflect a fundamental reorientation of Saudi foreign policy but a sensible defense mechanism at a moment of apparent U.S. weakness.
—Elliott Abrams, Foreign Affairs, 7 Feb. 2025
And the body's first reaction to any unnatural cell death is to start a defense mechanism.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for defense mechanism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025
Infidelity, in this case, becomes an unconscious defense mechanism—a way to reaffirm their internal belief that relationships always end in pain.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
The Saudi negotiations with Iran that China fostered in March 2023, for example, did not reflect a fundamental reorientation of Saudi foreign policy but a sensible defense mechanism at a moment of apparent U.S. weakness.
—Elliott Abrams, Foreign Affairs, 7 Feb. 2025
And the body's first reaction to any unnatural cell death is to start a defense mechanism.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 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 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share