Defence Mechanism (Noun)
Meaning
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The patient's sarcastic remarks were a defence mechanism to mask her true feelings of vulnerability.
- His tendency to procrastinate was a defence mechanism that allowed him to temporarily avoid dealing with the stress of the task.
- The defence mechanism of projection allowed her to attribute her own unacceptable desires to someone else.
- The doctor explained that his dream was a manifestation of a defence mechanism that was trying to repress his unconscious impulses.
- After a few sessions of therapy, she was able to recognize her defence mechanisms and start working through her underlying issues.