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
And some strains of the virus appear to have developed defense mechanisms against the interferon response, blunting its effect.
—
Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 3 July 2024
Many of those parasites are transmitted via insects, so natural selection will tend to favor defense mechanisms that ward off the pests.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 19 July 2024
Its venom, delivered through grooved teeth, serves both as a defense mechanism and as a means to subdue prey.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024
Wasps sting primarily as a defense mechanism and several factors can trigger this response.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for defense mechanism 
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Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 3 July 2024
Many of those parasites are transmitted via insects, so natural selection will tend to favor defense mechanisms that ward off the pests.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 19 July 2024
Its venom, delivered through grooved teeth, serves both as a defense mechanism and as a means to subdue prey.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024
Wasps sting primarily as a defense mechanism and several factors can trigger this response.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for defense mechanism
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 5 Nov. 2024.
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