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.

Origin

1890-95

Examples from the web for defense mechanism

Turtles have a natural defense mechanism that causes them to hide in their shells.
It's an appealing defense mechanism that let's one hold firm to one's principles in the midst of defeat.
In the case of malaria, however, that defense mechanism may backfire.
Researchers report a new potential target for drugs that may help unveil an innate human defense mechanism against the disease.
Perhaps the dispersal of the males is a multi-faceted defense mechanism.
Observe the defense mechanism and lack of motion in the crab spider.
One school of thought on pearl formation dictates that pearls are formed as a defense mechanism against parasites.
Maybe sometimes forgetting all about a toy line is a defense mechanism.
Firefly light may also serve as a defense mechanism that flashes a clear warning of the insect's unappetizing taste.
The animal lacks even true eyes but it does have an incredible, and somewhat disgusting, defense mechanism.

defense mechanism in Medicine

defense mechanism n.

Any of a variety of usually unconscious mental processes used to protect oneself from shame, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, conflict, or other unacceptable feelings or thoughts, and including behaviors such as repression, projection, denial, and rationalization.
See immunological mechanism.

defense mechanism in Culture

defense mechanism definition

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.