defence mechanismnoun [ C ]
UK US defense mechanism uk/dɪˈfens ˌmek.ə.nɪ.zəm/us/dɪˈfens ˌmek.ə.nɪ.zəm/an automatic way of behaving or thinking by which you protect yourself from something, especially from feeling unpleasant emotions:
Arrogance is often a defence mechanism.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Protection and protectors
- aegis
- auspices
- bailiff
- bandobast
- beefeater
- buffer
- conservation
- guard
- homeland security
- janitor
- minder
- night watchman
- passive immunity
- preservation
- ranger
- sentinel
- shield
- warden
- watchman
- watchtower
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