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

In an email to The Post, Jefferson responded “that projection is a classic defense mechanism when one feels that some negative feature of the self is being exposed.”

From Washington Post

He says something a Georgia fan, waiting 41 years now, might not comprehend but something that might be a defense mechanism: “Every game I watch, every game, I think we’re going to lose.”

From Washington Post

Many therapists, she said, believe these types of dreams are usually about “more significant long-term characterologic issues,” such as a person’s personality traits, defense mechanisms and ways of coping, and beliefs about the world.

From Washington Post

She was pleased the training featured a focus on trauma as children, like hers, and adults become so used to the violence that they become desensitized to develop defense mechanisms to cope.

From Washington Post