Defense Mechanism Definition

noun
Any self-protective physiological system or reaction of an organism.
Webster's New World
Any thought process, as repression, introjection, denial, displacement, or sublimation, unconsciously used by an individual as a defense against feelings of guilt, anxiety, shame, etc.
Webster's New World

(psychology) A psychological strategy used unconsciously by people to cope with harmful or stressful situations.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:
  • defence
  • defence reaction
  • defense
  • defence mechanism
  • defense reaction

Other Word Forms of Defense Mechanism

Noun

Singular:
defense mechanism
Plural:
defense-mechanisms

Defense Mechanism Sentence Examples

  • One analysis of antisocial behavior is that it is a defense mechanism that helps children avoid painful feelings, or avoid the anxiety caused by lack of control over the environment.

  • Adolescents may develop adjustment disorders as part of a defense mechanism meant to break their feelings of dependence on parents.

  • While there is no exact period of time a person will stay in this stage, this defense mechanism is used when the pain of accepting a person's death is too great to face.

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Words Starting With

DDEDEF

Words Ending With

MSMISM

Unscrambles

defense mechanism

Words Starting With D and Ending With M

Starts With D & Ends With MStarts With DE & Ends With MStarts With D & Ends With SM

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