defense mechanism
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English
Alternative forms
Etymology
Calque of German Abwehrmechanismus, a concept in the Freudian model.
Noun
defense mechanism (plural defense mechanisms) (American spelling)
- (psychology) A psychological strategy used unconsciously by people to cope with harmful or stressful situations.
- (evolutionary theory) An automatic reaction of the body against foreign antibodies.
Translations
psychological strategy
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reaction of the body
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