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Glite Dictionary
🧠 Unconscious coping 🌱 Biological protection 🛡️ Security system
defense mechanism

defense mechanism

1 4.1
A system that finds and stops attacks on computer networks
  • noun
  • /dɪˈfɛns ˈmɛkənɪzəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : medida de seguridad
  • Firewalls act as a crucial defense mechanism for preventing unauthorized access to computer networks.

Examples

  • An increase in the frequency of cyberattacks, however, requires that the federal government strengthen existing security defense mechanisms and preventative cyber tactic procedures.

    Academic text (2017)

  • As for fear of the return, it might, but the defense mechanisms you have in place will guard you.

    Blog text (32)

  • It's a defense mechanism.

    Twinless (2025)

  • The company implemented a new defense mechanism to protect its data from cyber threats.

  • Employing encryption is an effective defense mechanism against data breaches in online transactions.

Synonyms

defense
vsdefense mechanism
  • US
460 1.4

Protection from attack, danger, harm, or illness

applies specifically to protecting digital networks, data, and systems from threats
security measure
vsdefense mechanism
  • Specialized
4 3.1

A rule or tool that protects computers and data from access without permission

focuses on systems, devices, or methods to detect, prevent, or reduce threats
defense program
vsdefense mechanism
  • Specialized
3.7

A program that protects computers and networks from harmful software

covers software plus devices and methods to detect or reduce threats

How Effective

defense mechanism
  • Specialized
1 4.1
security system
  • Specialized
4 3.5
cybersecurity
  • Specialized
26 4.1
protection
974 1.0

Surface Forms

defense mechanism singular
defense mechanisms plural
defence mechanisms plural
defence mechanism singular

Morphology

defense + mechanism

The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'defense' (protection) with 'mechanism' (a system or means): it denotes a system/feature that protects an organism. This compositional pattern is literal and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Defense mechanism comes from the picture of a security system—locks, alarms, and walls that stop thieves. Here defense means 'protection' and mechanism means 'a system that works', so it refers to the tools or methods used to stop computer attacks.