What is Defense Mechanism ?

Question

What is Defense Mechanism ?

Answer 1

A defense mechanism is any method your mind uses to combat a perceived threat to its stability.

Answer 2

Defense mechanism is usually defined as flight or fight response.  

Under stress your hands and feet will sweat.  Your digestion will shut down.  Your blood pressure goes up or down.  Your perceptions are altered,  either more acute or dulling of the senses.  Reaction times are affected (faster or slower).

Dulling of the senses and slower reaction time are akin to playing possum, and can be very pronounced even to the point of fainting.   (Just play dead and maybe they'll just go away).

Answer 3

Something that is done for protection.