transference

noun

1
: an act, process, or instance of transferring : conveyance, transfer
2
: the redirection of feelings and desires and especially of those unconsciously retained from childhood toward a new object (such as a psychoanalyst conducting therapy)
transferential adjective

Examples of transference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Watch On However, many of the speakers and organizers also hope the transference of this knowledge will spur people to take action. Joanna Thompson, Space.com, 30 May 2025 This transference makes a moot point of all criticisms that could reasonably be leveled at the film. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2025 So, the four actresses rehearsed in a dance studio for weeks, practicing each other's mannerisms; studying vocal inflections; and engaging in what can be described as emotional transference, spiritual osmosis, or a combination of the two. EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025 All this data transference can be detected and tracked. New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transference

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transference was in 1681

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Cite this Entry

“Transference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transference. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

transference

noun
trans·​fer·​ence tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s How to pronounce transference (audio)
: an act, process, or example of transferring

Medical Definition

transference

noun
: the redirection of feelings and desires and especially of those unconsciously retained from childhood toward a new object (as a psychoanalyst conducting therapy)

Legal Definition

transference

noun
trans·​fer·​ence trans-ˈfər-əns, ˈtrans-ˌfər- How to pronounce transference (audio)
: an act, process, or instance of transferring

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