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)

transferential

ˌtran(t)s-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 

adjective

Examples of transference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So much of your twenties is about transference and projection. — Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

While not always negative, transference can replace curiosity with assumptions, leading to self-fulfilling prophecies. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Some brushes have color jitter or transference effects, which are customizable in the Brush Studio. — Shelby Putnam Tupper, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026

Wealthy individuals play an outsized role in this transference, as wealth accumulation is highly concentrated toward the top. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for transference

• concurrence
• deterrence
• incurrence
• occurrence
• recurrence
• coinsurance
• countertransference

Kids 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) 

: 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