defense mechanism

He wondered if his exasperation was real or merely a defense mechanism.

I have said that the hostility of the crowd is a sort of "defense mechanism."

Late afternoon of the next day, my defense mechanism was ready.

It's a sort of defense mechanism, Doc says, against the disappointments of this life.

The crowds delusion of persecution, conspiracy, or oppression is thus a defense mechanism of this nature.

Although the musk is probably distasteful to predators, repellent odor alone seems to be of doubtful value as a defense mechanism.

He knew that he was merely a defense mechanism, to ward off fear: for, it wasn't true.