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
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
Consequently, enterprise browsers are quickly surfacing as a material defense mechanism with the surging adoption of modern AI.
—Will Townsend, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Ciguatoxin is a neurotoxin produced by certain algae in coral reefs as a defense mechanism.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defense mechanism
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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
Consequently, enterprise browsers are quickly surfacing as a material defense mechanism with the surging adoption of modern AI.
—Will Townsend, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Ciguatoxin is a neurotoxin produced by certain algae in coral reefs as a defense mechanism.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 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 31 Oct. 2025.
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