defense mechanism (Meaning)

Wordnet

defense mechanism (n)

(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires

Synonyms & Antonyms of defense mechanism

No Synonyms and anytonyms found

defense mechanism Sentence Examples

  1. When faced with stress, the individual's defense mechanism may manifest as denial, refusing to acknowledge the reality of the situation.
  2. Projection is a common defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else.
  3. Rationalization is another defense mechanism wherein one justifies their behavior with seemingly logical explanations.
  4. In psychology, displacement is a defense mechanism where feelings or impulses are redirected from their original target to a substitute target.
  5. Regression is a defense mechanism characterized by reverting to behaviors or coping mechanisms from an earlier stage of development.
  6. Avoidance is a defense mechanism that involves consciously or unconsciously avoiding situations or thoughts that evoke anxiety.
  7. Sublimation is considered a healthier defense mechanism where individuals channel unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.
  8. The defense mechanism of repression involves pushing distressing thoughts or memories into the unconscious mind.
  9. Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where emotions are minimized, and situations are analyzed in a detached, rational manner.
  10. When overwhelmed, some individuals may resort to the defense mechanism of dissociation, detaching themselves from reality as a form of self-preservation.

FAQs About the word defense mechanism

(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires

No synonyms found.

No antonyms found.

When faced with stress, the individual's defense mechanism may manifest as denial, refusing to acknowledge the reality of the situation.

Projection is a common defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else.

Rationalization is another defense mechanism wherein one justifies their behavior with seemingly logical explanations.

In psychology, displacement is a defense mechanism where feelings or impulses are redirected from their original target to a substitute target.