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
Health How horseshoe crab blood became one of the most valuable liquids in medicine
The crabs’ blue blood contains an ancient immune defense mechanism that has helped save countless human lives.
—
Big Think, 24 June 2024
As a defense mechanism, ladybugs secrete a substance that can cause painful mouth and stomach ulcers, Watkins says.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 30 May 2024
Disgust is a defense mechanism hard-wired into humanity over centuries to prevent disease.
—thehustle.co, 22 Mar. 2024
Cora is masterful in her overconfidence, a defense mechanism for being very much in denial about something—but the film takes its time revealing what is really going on with her.
—Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for defense mechanism 
Big Think, 24 June 2024
As a defense mechanism, ladybugs secrete a substance that can cause painful mouth and stomach ulcers, Watkins says.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 30 May 2024
Disgust is a defense mechanism hard-wired into humanity over centuries to prevent disease.
—thehustle.co, 22 Mar. 2024
Cora is masterful in her overconfidence, a defense mechanism for being very much in denial about something—but the film takes its time revealing what is really going on with her.
—Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for defense mechanism
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.
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 2 Jul. 2024.
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