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
The research team then observed whether the nasal lining cells indeed got infected, what genes responsible for immune defense mechanisms got turned on and what happened to the cells close to the ones that got infected.
—
Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Self-deprecation as a defense mechanism?
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026
The hardy parasite is also highly attuned to threats and responds with formidable defense mechanisms — prolonging a treatment process that’s already months to years long and often fraught with other hurdles and pain.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
In Foster’s time away from the limelight, Hollywood missed her particular actorly touch with flintiness or with a hard edge — showing the delicacy that lies under a defense mechanism.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Defense mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defense%20mechanism. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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