defence mechanism

• Estratégia ou processo mental automático usado pela psique para se proteger da ansiedade, do estresse ou de pensamentos e sentimentos inaceitáveis.

A psychological strategy or automatic mental process used by the mind to protect itself from anxiety, stress, or unacceptable thoughts and feelings.

1. Psychological defense mechanismB2formal

   An unconscious mental process that protects a person from anxiety, guilt, or unacceptable thoughts.

   Mecanismo de defesa psicológico

   • Denial is a common defense mechanism after a traumatic event.
   • He uses humor as a defense mechanism to avoid serious conversations.
   • Projection is a defense mechanism where one attributes their own feelings to others.

2. Biological defense mechanismB2formal

   A physical or chemical process in an organism that protects it from harm, such as infection or injury.

   Mecanismo de defesa

   • The immune system is the body's primary defense mechanism against pathogens.
   • A fever is a natural defense mechanism that helps fight infection.
   • The plant's thorns are a defense mechanism against herbivores.