ALL meanings of defense mechanism
de·fense mech·an·ism
D d - countable noun defense mechanism A defense mechanism is a way of behaving or thinking which is not conscious or deliberate and is an automatic reaction to unpleasant experiences or feelings such as anxiety and fear. 3
- noun defense mechanism any self-protective physiological system or reaction of an organism 3
- noun defense mechanism any thought process, as repression, introjection, or sublimation, unconsciously used by an individual as a defense against feelings of guilt, anxiety, shame, etc. 3
- noun defense mechanism Physiology. the defensive reaction of an organism, as against a pathogenic microorganism. 1
- noun defense mechanism Psychology. an unconscious process, as denial, that protects an individual from unacceptable or painful ideas or impulses. 1
- noun defense mechanism (psychology) A psychological strategy used unconsciously by people to cope with harmful or stressful situations. 0
- noun defense mechanism (evolutionary biology) An automatic reaction of the body against foreign antibodies. 0