defense
1
7.4
- noun
- /dɪˈfɛns/
- Specialized
- Using humor as a defense mechanism can help people cope with anxiety in social situations.
- defense mechanism
- psychological defense
- defense strategies
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Watch on YouTubeThey go on to their next favorite defense, which is denial.
- They go on to their next favorite defense, which is denial.
- Next up the pillar are defense mechanisms in action.
- And if you front, that's your defense mechanism.
- There are intellectual defenses we have, We think of ourselves as good people.
- Denial is a primary defense in narcissism.
- We all develop our own bespoke coping mechanisms and defense strategies for survival, right?
- But the thinking is all in the service of the unhealthy defenses, right?
- That causes cynicism to occur as a defence mechanism against sort of fraud and bullshit.
- The body is going to respond to that fear, even if it's emotional, and that will divert our resources towards defense rather than thriving.
- And perceptual defense is the mind's ability to block certain things from consciousness because they're overwhelming.
- It's a defensive defence mechanism, I think.
- As long as we just understand that we the way that we approach situations and not take defense to them and we get defensive.
Examples
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-Yeah, it's a defense mechanism.
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That might be a normal adaptive response because again, your body's mounting a defense for its survival.
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- It's a nervous defense mechanism.
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It's a defense mechanism, all right?
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A new model of psychological defense is presented, which can account for these results.
Academic text (1996) -
A person with an eating disorder is often very alone, and rejection of others is a defense mechanism.
Academic text (2015) -
Depersonalization can be viewed as a defense against both minority status and explicit forms of racism.
Academic text (2013) -
Usually, this comprises several defense mechanisms that serve the ego's need to minimize anxiety.
Academic text (1998) -
Individuals repress traumatic memories through a variety of defense mechanisms, Terr said.
Academic text (1993) -
In therapy, she learned that denial is a common defense used to manage inner conflicts.
Synonyms
10
5.3
A mental way a person uses without thinking to reduce strong anxious feelings
1
8.1
A mental process done without thinking that reduces worry about uncomfortable feelings
Antonyms
Compounds
- Formal
151
4.6
The person in the United States government who is in charge of the military and advises the President
83
3.4
A part of the United States government that protects the country and manages the military
- Formal
71
3.5
A United States government office that protects national security and manages the armed forces
- Specialized
53
3.9
Weapons and other equipment used to protect a country or area from attack
29
3.8
A group of soldiers and other people trained to protect a country from attack
- Specialized
27
4.2
Systems and weapons that protect a place from enemy aircraft or missiles
- Specialized
26
5.1
A company that makes weapons, equipment, or provides services for a country's military
- Specialized
17
4.6
A set of weapons and radar that find and stop enemy missiles before they hit
- Specialized
10
5.3
A mental way a person uses without thinking to reduce strong anxious feelings
8
3.9
A part of the United States government that gives military information to help plan operations and buy weapons
8
3.8
The army, navy, and air force of Israel working together to protect the country
- Specialized
6
4.1
A physical trait or behavior that helps animals and plants avoid harm
A U.S. government group that builds new tools and systems for the military
1
3.9
A United States government department that protects the country's security and runs the armed forces
- Specialized
1
4.3
Actions to protect people and places from harmful bacteria, viruses and toxins
- Formal
1
4.4
A United States agency that provides and moves supplies for the armed forces and other government groups worldwide
1
7.1
A part of the U.S. Department of Defense that develops and coordinates systems to stop long-range missiles
- Specialized
1
4.4
Actions and equipment used to protect people and deal with attacks or accidents involving dangerous chemicals
- Specialized
1
6.1
A way of protecting an area from enemy planes or missiles using weapons and electronic systems to stop them
- Formal
1
9.9
A legal argument that someone was only following orders and not responsible for war crimes
1
6.8
A part of the U.S. military that runs and protects computer and communication systems for top leaders
- Literature
1
9.9
A legal argument that tries to confuse people by giving silly points not related to the case
1
3.5
The ability to protect yourself from physical harm using simple fighting moves
1
9.9
An illegal armed group in Colombia formed in 1997 that fought and sold drugs
- Specialized
1
4.8
Actions and plans to protect people and places from attacks using harmful germs
- Specialized
1
8.1
A mental process done without thinking that reduces worry about uncomfortable feelings
- Specialized
1
3.7
A program that protects computers and networks from harmful software
- Specialized
1
6.7
A plan a company uses to stop another company from taking control
- Specialized
1
6.7
A set of carefully planned military actions using strong positions and clear communications before fighting the enemy
- Specialized
1
6.8
A quick setup of troops and barriers to hold ground when time is short
- Specialized
A missile system on a ship that defends it from close incoming missiles or planes
- Specialized
Actions and plans to protect people from attacks using germs that cause disease
A U.S. Department of Defense center that collects and shares scientific and technical reports with government agencies and contractors
- Specialized
Steps that protect people and buildings from enemy air attack without fighting back
A former illegal armed group in Colombia that used violence and sold drugs
A right-wing armed group in Colombia that deals in drugs and uses violence
Surface Forms
Etymology
Defense comes from de- meaning 'away' and fend meaning 'to push or strike'. A mental defense is a way to 'push away' painful thoughts or feelings, which is why the word can mean a way to protect the mind.