defense mechanism en · NOUN
Etymology
Calque of German Abwehrmechanismus, a concept in the Freudian model.
Meanings
- (US) A psychological strategy used unconsciously by people to cope with harmful or stressful situations.
- (US, qualifier:evolutionary theory) An automatic reaction of the body against foreign antibodies.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| defense mechanisms | Number=Plur | lexicographic | |
| defence mechanism | alternative | lexicographic |
Translations (14)
cmn 自我防衛機制 /自我防卫机制 (psychological strategy) · ko 방어기제 (psychological strategy) · fi puolustusmekanismi (psychological strategy) · fr mécanisme de défense (psychological strategy) · es mecanismo de defensa (psychological strategy) · cmn 防禦機制 /防御机制 (reaction of the body) · ru защи́тный механи́зм (psychological strategy) · tr savunma mekanizması (reaction of the body) · ru защи́тный механи́зм (reaction of the body) · fi puolustusmekanismi (reaction of the body) · cmn 心理防禦機制 /心理防御机制 (psychological strategy) · ca mecanisme de defensa (psychological strategy) · tr savunma mekanizması (psychological strategy) · de Abwehrmechanismus (psychological strategy)