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

These are proteins that contain iron-rich heme groups, which are what enable the transference of electrons step by step from inside the cell to the outside. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Jan. 2026

Parker Finn's directorial debut not only lives up to the hype but also delivers a campy and absurd exploration of the transference of generational trauma — pulling off some impressive jump scares and one hell of a phantasmagorical ending. —Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025

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

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