defence mechanism

A form of defense mechanism — A psychological strategy used unconsciously by people to cope with harmful or stressful situations.

Similar
defense mechanismdefense reactiondefence reactiondefensedefence
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Meanings

noundefence mechanism (plural defence mechanisms)

plural defence mechanisms

  1. UKalternativeAlternative form of defense mechanism.

Synonyms & antonyms

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

Similar
defense mechanismdefense reactiondefence reactiondefensedefence
Broader
psychoanalytic processprocessunconscious process
Also see
defencedefensedefense mechanism

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Cite this entry
APA

defence mechanism. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/defence%20mechanism

MLA

“defence mechanism.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/defence%20mechanism. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “defence mechanism,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/defence%20mechanism.

Source: defence mechanism on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.