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

Atlantica was an idea that emerged as family story and defense mechanism.

From Los Angeles Times

When Kyle uses humor as a defense mechanism, or swallows their anger instead of expressing it, is that a learned male behavior or just inherently Kyle?

From Washington Post

Some entomologists theorize that it’s an evolutionary defense mechanism.

From Washington Times

I’m not mocking out of meanness; it’s partially a defense mechanism.

From Washington Post