defense mechanism

noun

Definition of defense mechanism

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 mRNA would prompt each of us to manufacture a little piece of the coronavirus (the spike protein) which would in turn prompt our immune system (our body's defense mechanism) to create antibodies and other immune cells in response. — Andy Rose And Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 4 Aug. 2021 She's been through a lot in her life and put up walls as a defense mechanism. — Marie Claire, 2 Aug. 2021 But while studying the role of the brain’s immune cells in Alzheimer’s disease, his group found that the dense plaques might be part of the brain's defense mechanism. — Jackie Rocheleau, Forbes, 27 Apr. 2021 About 2,500 troops remain, along with forces from some NATO nations, which have been stalwart after the U.S. invoked the collective-defense mechanism known as Article 5 after the 9/11 attacks. — Editorial Board, Star Tribune, 9 Mar. 2021 The microscopic organisms can use their blue glow as a defense mechanism to ward off predators, but that function doubles as a sight of amazement for humans who experience it. — Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, 23 June 2021 Lying to ourselves can be a natural defense mechanism. — Josh Felber, Forbes, 7 June 2021 These solutions reside above the operating system and are a layered defense mechanism. — Will Townsend, Forbes, 10 May 2021 Cicadas emerge in large numbers as a defense mechanism, Cappiello said. — Ayana Archie, The Courier-Journal, 19 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'defense mechanism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for defense mechanism

Last Updated

23 Aug 2021

Cite this Entry

“Defense mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defense%20mechanism. Accessed 10 Sep. 2021.

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