|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| de·fense mech·a·nism (plural de·fense mech·a·nisms) |
noun |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. protective mental activity: any means of avoiding emotional distress, destructive impulses, or a threat to self-esteem, especially the suppression of unwanted thoughts or memories
|
2. protective physical activity: a natural protective response to danger or attack used by an organism, e.g. when faced with a predator or invaded by a disease agent
|
|
|
|