transference
noun
trans·fer·ence
tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s 
ˈtran(t)s-(ˌ)fər-
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)
Examples of transference in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is due, in no small part to the bankable market power of celebrity-cosign and audience transference from the music and entertainment industries to other sartorial fields.
—
Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 19 June 2024
The transference is often presumed to be through emotional behavioral patterns, but there is a spiritual and supernatural sense to this play as well.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2024
The Society for Psychical Research was founded in the U.K. in 1882 to investigate possible paranormal activity, including mesmerism, thought transference, apparitions and even haunted houses.
—Naomi Oreskes, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024
In addition to practical skills like assessment and treatment methods, we were introduced to the concept of transference, the inevitable unconscious process of patients redirecting their feelings onto their therapists.
—Patric Gagne, TIME, 2 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for transference 
Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 19 June 2024
The transference is often presumed to be through emotional behavioral patterns, but there is a spiritual and supernatural sense to this play as well.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2024
The Society for Psychical Research was founded in the U.K. in 1882 to investigate possible paranormal activity, including mesmerism, thought transference, apparitions and even haunted houses.
—Naomi Oreskes, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024
In addition to practical skills like assessment and treatment methods, we were introduced to the concept of transference, the inevitable unconscious process of patients redirecting their feelings onto their therapists.
—Patric Gagne, TIME, 2 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for transference
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near transference
Cite this Entry
“Transference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transference. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
transference
noun
trans·fer·ence
tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s
: an act, process, or example of transferring
Medical Definition
transference
noun
trans·fer·ence
tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s
ˈtran(t)s-(ˌ)
ˈtran(t)s-(ˌ)
: 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-
: an act, process, or instance of transferring
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share