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.
Instead, seno-differentiation appears to serve as a stress-triggered defense mechanism that removes damaged stem cells before they can become harmful.
From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 2025
For Divon, Pallywood is less a conspiracy theory than a psychological defense mechanism.
From Slate • May 30, 2025
“It was a defense mechanism because of my past history.”
From Salon • Apr. 27, 2025
I think it’s sort of her defense mechanism — if I get there first, no one can get to it before me.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2024
But then my body took over and this primal defense mechanism, said, No, we will not stand for this.
From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy
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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.