Defense Reaction (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 tone was a defense reaction to hide her true feelings of vulnerability.
- Her constant joking about her weight was a defense reaction to avoid addressing her deeper insecurities.
- The politician's angry outburst was a defense reaction to deflect attention from his own involvement in the scandal.
- The student's excessive procrastination was a defense reaction to avoid the anxiety of possibly failing the exam.
- The comedian's self-deprecating humor was a defense reaction to mask his sensitive side and avoid emotional intimacy.