View synonyms for defense mechanism

defense mechanism

noun

Physiology. the defensive reaction of an organism, as against a pathogenic microorganism.
Psychology. an unconscious process, as denial, that protects an individual from unacceptable or painful ideas or impulses.

defense mechanism

In psychology , a Freudian term referring to an unconscious avoidance of something that produces anxiety or some other unpleasant emotion. For example, someone who blots out the memory of a terrible accident is using a defense mechanism. Regression and sublimation are common defense mechanisms.

First recorded in 1890–95

But she was young, and she used work as a defense mechanism.

I think this is, among liberals anyway, a defense mechanism.

Is this a defense mechanism, a way of not quite looking at what my mother has become?

“The hierarchy of things is a kind of defense mechanism that just alienates,” says Koons.

Historical myopia must be an evolutionary defense mechanism of the human species.

The crowds delusion of persecution, conspiracy, or oppression is thus a defense mechanism of this nature.

He knew that he was merely a defense mechanism, to ward off fear: for, it wasn't true.

I have said that the hostility of the crowd is a sort of "defense mechanism."

Late afternoon of the next day, my defense mechanism was ready.

This small, rather weird-looking little creature had a dangerous defense mechanism in the spines of his back.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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