defense mechanism

Noun

Meaning

(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires

Source: WordNet

Synonyms

defense defence sublimation symbolization passive resistance evasive action immune response self-justification self-defence self-protection mental block reflex arc defence mechanism defence reaction defense reaction

Hypernyms

process psychoanalytic process unconscious process

Hyponyms

conversion compensation isolation projection displacement denial

Examples

I think I came to see Islam, or at least one part of Islam, as an important defense mechanism against the commercialization of the world. Peter Jennings

When the empirical investigator glories in his refusal to go beyond the specialized observation dictated by the traditions of his discipline, be they ever so inclusive, he is making a virtue out of a defense mechanism which insures him against questioning his presuppositions. Karl Mannheim

Without comedy as a defense mechanism I wouldn't be able to survive. Garry Shandling

The human mind has a primitive ego defense mechanism that negates all realities that produce too much stress for the brain to handle. It's called Denial. Dan Brown

People use irony as a defense mechanism. David Byrne

Everyone is a little bitter. We're born bitter. The personality itself is really just a very complex defense mechanism. A reaction to the first time someone said, "No you can't. Marc Maron

Close letter words and terms

defense lawyer defense lawyers Defense Logistics Agency defense of gay rights defense policy defense program