defense mechanism
noun
Physiology.
the defensive reaction of an organism, as against a pathogenic microorganism.
Psychology.
an unconscious process, as denial, that protects an individual from unacceptable or painful ideas or impulses.
Origin of defense mechanism
First recorded in 1890–95
Words nearby defense mechanism
defender of the bond,
defender of the faith,
defenestrate,
defenestration,
defense,
defense mechanism,
defenseman,
defensible,
defensive,
defensive back,
defensive circle
Medical definitions for defense mechanism
defense mechanism
n.
Any of a variety of usually unconscious mental processes used to protect oneself from shame, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, conflict, or other unacceptable feelings or thoughts, and including behaviors such as repression, projection, denial, and rationalization.
immunological mechanism
Cultural definitions for defense mechanism
defense mechanism
In psychology, a Freudian term referring to an unconscious avoidance of something that produces anxiety or some other unpleasant emotion. For example, someone who blots out the memory of a terrible accident is using a defense mechanism. Regression and sublimation are common defense mechanisms.