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
Research has found that radishes help enhance the body's antioxidant defense mechanism and positively impact changes in blood glucose (sugar) levels.
—
Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 13 Apr. 2024
And looking back, that was just a defense mechanism.
—Tricia Despres, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024
To Improve Incident Response: Human intuition can be an effective defense mechanism.
—Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024
Part of that Latin identity comes with a very macho culture, a defense mechanism to protect our families.
—Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 20 Mar. 2024
Nudibranchs have such good defense mechanisms—are so good at surviving, as Kirkendale put it—that other soft-bodied animals on the reef have evolved to copy them.
—Helen Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024
The need for a robust defense mechanism is straightforward.
—Eric Noonan, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024
Meanwhile, other organisms, such as certain jellyfish and worms, deploy bioluminescence as a defense mechanism, releasing glowing particles to confuse and deter predators.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Anger is often described as a secondary response to underlying feelings, serving as a defense mechanism to shield ourselves from or conceal more vulnerable emotions such as hurt or fear.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024
Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 13 Apr. 2024
And looking back, that was just a defense mechanism.
—Tricia Despres, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024
To Improve Incident Response: Human intuition can be an effective defense mechanism.
—Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024
Part of that Latin identity comes with a very macho culture, a defense mechanism to protect our families.
—Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 20 Mar. 2024
Nudibranchs have such good defense mechanisms—are so good at surviving, as Kirkendale put it—that other soft-bodied animals on the reef have evolved to copy them.
—Helen Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024
The need for a robust defense mechanism is straightforward.
—Eric Noonan, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024
Meanwhile, other organisms, such as certain jellyfish and worms, deploy bioluminescence as a defense mechanism, releasing glowing particles to confuse and deter predators.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Anger is often described as a secondary response to underlying feelings, serving as a defense mechanism to shield ourselves from or conceal more vulnerable emotions such as hurt or fear.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defense mechanism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 3 May. 2024.
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