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
To understand what makes the mRNA shots special, the researchers examined blood and tissue samples and found that the COVID shots appeared to activate the innate immune system — a fundamental, early-warning defense mechanism that alerts other parts of the immune system to prepare for an attack.
—
Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
Araújo says that she’s recently realized that part of why she’s leaned into rage-bait content is as a defense mechanism.
—Taylor Lorenz, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
Autoimmune diseases can be triggered when T cells, our body's primary defense mechanism against harmful pathogens, malfunction.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
Their name comes from the unique protrusions on their back that resemble horns and serve as a defense mechanism against predators including other sharks, elephant seals and some large fish.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defense mechanism
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Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
Araújo says that she’s recently realized that part of why she’s leaned into rage-bait content is as a defense mechanism.
—Taylor Lorenz, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
Autoimmune diseases can be triggered when T cells, our body's primary defense mechanism against harmful pathogens, malfunction.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
Their name comes from the unique protrusions on their back that resemble horns and serve as a defense mechanism against predators including other sharks, elephant seals and some large fish.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 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 11 Nov. 2025.
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