Defense-mechanism Synonyms

(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
Synonyms:
  1. defense reaction
  2. defense
  3. conversion
  4. repression
  5. defence mechanism
  6. sublimation
  7. defence reaction
  8. suppression
  9. symbolization
  10. defence

Defense-mechanism Sentence Examples

  • One analysis of antisocial behavior is that it is a defense mechanism that helps children avoid painful feelings, or avoid the anxiety caused by lack of control over the environment.

  • Adolescents may develop adjustment disorders as part of a defense mechanism meant to break their feelings of dependence on parents.

  • While there is no exact period of time a person will stay in this stage, this defense mechanism is used when the pain of accepting a person's death is too great to face.