Defense Mechanism Definition

noun
Any self-protective physiological system or reaction of an organism.
Webster's New World
Any thought process, as repression, introjection, denial, displacement, or sublimation, unconsciously used by an individual as a defense against feelings of guilt, anxiety, shame, etc.
Webster's New World

(psychology) A psychological strategy used unconsciously by people to cope with harmful or stressful situations.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:
  • defence
  • defence reaction
  • defense
  • defence mechanism
  • defense reaction

Other Word Forms of Defense Mechanism

Noun

Singular:
defense mechanism
Plural:
defense-mechanisms

Find Similar Words

Find similar words to defense mechanism using the buttons below.

Words Starting With

Words Ending With

Unscrambles

defense mechanism

Word Length