defence mechanism
Definition
- Noun:
- A psychological process: An unconscious mental operation that functions to protect an individual from anxiety, emotional distress, or unacceptable thoughts and impulses.
- A biological process: A physiological reaction of an organism to defend against disease or harmful agents. (Note: This meaning is less common in general psychology contexts and more specific to medicine/biology.)
Usage
- Noun:
- Repression is a common defence mechanism that pushes disturbing memories into the unconscious.
- When faced with criticism, his immediate defence mechanism was to become angry and deflect blame.
- The body's primary defence mechanism against the virus is the production of antibodies.
Advanced Usage
- "To employ a defence mechanism": To use (often unconsciously) a psychological strategy to cope.
- She tends to employ the defence mechanism of rationalization to justify her decisions.
- "As a defence mechanism": Functioning in the role of a protective strategy.
- His sarcastic humor often operates as a defence mechanism to avoid showing vulnerability.
Variants and Related Words
- Defense mechanism: The standard American English spelling.
- Defence (British English noun): The act of defending.
- Defense (American English noun): The act of defending.
- Defensive (adjective): Used for protection; sensitive to criticism.
- He became very defensive when asked about the mistake.
Synonyms
- Coping mechanism: A broader term for any conscious or unconscious strategy to manage stress.
- Ego defence: A more technical term used in psychoanalytic theory.
- Psychological defence: A descriptive synonym.
Related Phrases
- Defence mechanism against: Used to specify the threat being guarded against.
- Denial can be a powerful defence mechanism against painful truths.
Related Idioms
- "To be on the defensive": To be ready to defend oneself against criticism or attack, often showing sensitivity.
- Ever since the scandal, the CEO has been on the defensive in every interview. (This idiom relates to the defensive attitude stemming from psychological defences.)
Noun
-
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
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