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Showing results for defense mechanism. Search instead for alterungsmechanismus.
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.

Experts say rattlesnakes typically don’t bite unless they feel threatened and use their bite as a defense mechanism.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Together, the findings reveal a previously unknown natural defense mechanism within the human body.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

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