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

Example Sentences

She is projecting her anger on you as a defense mechanism.

the cell's normal defense mechanisms against infection

Recent Examples on the Web

Their decision to lash out is a defense mechanism. —Chris White, Forbes, 6 Apr. 2021

There had been anecdotal reports that the dwarf reed snake could cartwheel as means of escape, but researchers have for the first time documented the unusual defense mechanism, in a paper published Wednesday in the Biotropica journal. —Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 5 Apr. 2023

This was not a conscious decision, but rather an unconscious defense mechanism. —Vasyl Ivanov, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023

Think of it as humanity’s collective defense mechanism. —Krzysztof Pelc, WIRED, 16 Mar. 2023

Like any comedian, he’s got a self-effacing defense mechanism. —Danny Palumbo, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2022

Their reluctance to embrace a key plank of Ukraine’s blueprint—the notion of a NATO collective defense mechanism—shows how far apart all sides remain in finding a negotiated end to the war. —Jared Malsin, WSJ, 30 Mar. 2022

The threat simulation theory of dreaming, for example, holds that our dream consciousness is basically an ancient biological defense mechanism; a natural result of our evolution. —Alex Orlando, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2020

Few other animal species have been shown to use their genitals as a defense mechanism, the authors write in their study, though hawk moths occasionally use special scales on their genitals to produce ultrasonic sounds that are hypothesized to confuse predatory bats. —Grace Van Deelen, Scientific American, 19 Dec. 2022

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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