defense mechanism

American  

noun

1. Physiology. the defensive reaction of an organism, as against a pathogenic microorganism.

2. Psychology. an unconscious process, as denial, that protects an individual from unacceptable or painful ideas or impulses.

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defense mechanism Cultural  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of defense mechanism

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Together, the findings reveal a previously unknown natural defense mechanism within the human body.

From Science Daily

Inflammation is an essential defense mechanism that protects us from infection and injury.

From Science Daily

"Targeting defense mechanisms is an exciting avenue for novel therapeutics."

From Science Daily

A stingray’s defense mechanism is to camouflage itself on top of the ocean floor’s sand or buried under it.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a defense mechanism, I guess, as much as a way of connecting with them.

From Los Angeles Times