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

At one point, Henry told Kendra that the psychiatrist was experiencing romantic transference, the clinical term for when a client develops erotic feelings toward their therapist. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 12 Aug. 2025

Sometimes, this dynamic can even evolve into what’s called erotic transference. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 8 Aug. 2025

These dynamics often bring projection and transference into the relationship, where partners interpret neutral behaviors through the lens of their insecurities. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025

And, in transference, the person experiencing limerence simply transfers their desire to someone new. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 5 July 2025

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