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Showing results for defense mechanism. Search instead for sprungfedermechanismus.
Definitions

defense mechanism

NOUN
protective activity
Synonyms
WEAK
conversion defense defense reaction repression sublimation suppression symbolization

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

A stingray’s defense mechanism is to camouflage itself on top of the ocean floor’s sand or buried under it.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2025

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

From Slate • May 30, 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

We had created this idea of ourselves as a defense mechanism to survive in the world we were living in.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah