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 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 Inside of a cave in Brazil, researchers spotted a previously unknown type of spider distinguished by its bristly body and a peculiar defense mechanism. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2024 And according to a recent report, beta-amyloid may be produced in the brain as a defense mechanism to pathogens that are introduced via the nasal cavity — a.k.a., sticking dirty fingers in the nose. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 5 Feb. 2024 The world's tallest mountain range has its own defense mechanism against a warming climate, according to a study published in Nature Geoscience. Devika Rao, theweek, 6 Jan. 2024 When we become inundated with information, System 1 kicks in as a mental defense mechanism to protect our attentional capacity. Ajay Khari, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 One point about psychic numbing, which could otherwise resemble other defense mechanisms, like de-realization or repression: it only is concerned with feeling and nonfeeling. Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2023 Williams has become one of our most underrated performers by specializing in characters whose unlikable obliviousness is a defense mechanism, not a flaw. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2023

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of defense mechanism was in 1909

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 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

defense mechanism

noun
1
: an often unconscious mental process (as repression, projection, or sublimation) that makes possible compromise solutions to personal problems
2
: a defensive reaction by an organism

More from Merriam-Webster on defense mechanism

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