defense mechanism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Inflammation is an essential defense mechanism that protects us from infection and injury.

From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026

For Divon, Pallywood is less a conspiracy theory than a psychological defense mechanism.

From Slate • May 30, 2025

Scientists believe that algae use bioluminescence as a defense mechanism — to scare off hungry sea creatures or call attention to their location, which draws the predators’ predators.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2024

My greatest fears began to unfold as I crept back into the only defense mechanism I’ve ever known.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2024

It just about shattered every defense mechanism and every pretext I had against going to school.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane