defense mechanism

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Calque of German Abwehrmechanismus, a concept in the Freudian model.

Noun

defense mechanism (plural defense mechanisms) (American spelling)

  1. (psychology) A psychological strategy used unconsciously by people to cope with harmful or stressful situations.
  2. (evolutionary theory) An automatic reaction of the body against foreign antibodies.

Translations

reaction of the body
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