defence mechanism
noun [ C ] psychology UK (US defense mechanism) uk/dɪˈfens ˌmek.ə.nɪ.zəm/ us/dɪˈfens ˌmek.ə.nɪ.zəm/
防卫表现;防卫心理
an automatic way of behaving or thinking by which you protect yourself from something, especially from feeling unpleasant emotions
Arrogance is often a defence mechanism. 傲慢往往是一种防卫表现。