defense

The psychological mechanisms used to control anxiety, e.g., rationalization, projection. [L. defendo, to ward off]

- screen d. the use of falsified or incomplete memories or affects to cover repressed but associated memories and affects.

- ur-defenses ur-defenses.

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de·fense or chiefly Brit de·fence di-'fen(t)s n a means or method of protecting the physical or functional integrity of body or mind <ability to concentrate urine may be interpreted as a renal \defense of body volume fluid (Jack Metcoff)>

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de·fense (de-fensґ) the practice of, or measures taken to ensure, self-protection. See also under mechanism.