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.
People look numb, likely a defense mechanism to deal with insurmountable stress, according to Selcuk.
From Reuters
That defense mechanism is critical, he said, at a time when international condemnation of Israel is accelerating.
From Washington Post
The psychological state is a defense mechanism to the intense shock someone feels during a traumatic event, according to a medical expert who spoke with NBC’s “Today” show.
From Washington Times
The insecticides that target disease-spreading mosquitoes are running into nature’s ultimate defense mechanism: evolution.
From Washington Post
“But it’s a defense mechanism. I still care about the city that made me, and nothing feels as good as playing to a New York crowd.”
From Seattle Times
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.