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 researchers’ study of dice snakes has prompted further questions from other scientists, such as whether life experience can explain why some individual snakes don’t engage in all three defense mechanisms.
—
Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2024
As a defense mechanism, ladybugs secrete a substance that can cause painful mouth and stomach ulcers, Watkins says.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 9 May 2024
This work lends support to a longstanding theory that — because the chemical reaction underlying bioluminescence uses up oxygen — bioluminescence first evolved as a defense mechanism against the production of dangerous oxygen-containing molecules called free radicals.
—Sam Jones, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024
Research has found that radishes help enhance the body's antioxidant defense mechanism and positively impact changes in blood glucose (sugar) levels.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 13 Apr. 2024
And looking back, that was just a defense mechanism.
—Tricia Despres, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024
To Improve Incident Response: Human intuition can be an effective defense mechanism.
—Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024
Part of that Latin identity comes with a very macho culture, a defense mechanism to protect our families.
—Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 20 Mar. 2024
Nudibranchs have such good defense mechanisms—are so good at surviving, as Kirkendale put it—that other soft-bodied animals on the reef have evolved to copy them.
—Helen Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024
Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2024
As a defense mechanism, ladybugs secrete a substance that can cause painful mouth and stomach ulcers, Watkins says.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 9 May 2024
This work lends support to a longstanding theory that — because the chemical reaction underlying bioluminescence uses up oxygen — bioluminescence first evolved as a defense mechanism against the production of dangerous oxygen-containing molecules called free radicals.
—Sam Jones, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024
Research has found that radishes help enhance the body's antioxidant defense mechanism and positively impact changes in blood glucose (sugar) levels.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 13 Apr. 2024
And looking back, that was just a defense mechanism.
—Tricia Despres, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024
To Improve Incident Response: Human intuition can be an effective defense mechanism.
—Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024
Part of that Latin identity comes with a very macho culture, a defense mechanism to protect our families.
—Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 20 Mar. 2024
Nudibranchs have such good defense mechanisms—are so good at surviving, as Kirkendale put it—that other soft-bodied animals on the reef have evolved to copy them.
—Helen Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defense mechanism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near defense mechanism
Cite this Entry
“Defense mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defense%20mechanism. Accessed 16 May. 2024.
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