Transference: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in psychology, particularly in therapy, when emotions originally associated with one person are unconsciously redirected to another person.

• The patient showed a lot of transference towards the therapist during the sessions.
• Transference can significantly affect the therapeutic relationship.

In psychology, it refers to attributing one's own undesirable thoughts or emotions to someone else, often has a negative connotation.

• She accused him of being angry, but it was a projection of her own feelings.
• Projection can cause misunderstandings in relationships.

Refers to replacing one element with another, can be used in various contexts, such as daily language, psychology, sports, and more.

• He used a cheaper material as a substitution for the original.
• In sports, player substitution happens to bring freshness to the game.

Occurs when emotions are shifted from their original target to a safer or more acceptable substitute, can be used in psychology and general language.

• He experienced displacement of his anger, which he expressed towards his coworkers instead of his boss.
• Displacement is a common defense mechanism.

Use in psychological or academic contexts where an attribute or emotion is transferred from one person to another.

• The therapist noted a transference of feelings from the patient towards him.
• Transference of skills between disciplines can enhance learning and innovation.

Best used in contexts of change, especially when referring to minor or gradual changes in position, direction, or emphasis.

• There was a noticeable shift in the company's marketing strategy.
• The tectonic plates have been observed to shift over time.

Commonly used when something is moving from one place or person to another, can be tangible or intangible, and often implies a completed action.

• She needed to transfer money to her friend's account.
• He transferred to a new department within the company.

Used when talking about moving people, animals, or things from one place to another in a more permanent or semi-permanent manner.

• The relocation of the wildlife to a safer area was necessary.
• Her job required a relocation to a new city.