transference

noun

trans·​fer·​ence tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s How to pronounce transference (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of transference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That transference, a fellow critic noted after the press screening, is its own kind of colonial violence. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2024 But in The Strangler, the transference of pain and isolation from Émile (who always leaves behind a scarf reminiscent of his childhood) to a series of forlorn women reminds us of our fragile humanity. Armond White, National Review, 1 Dec. 2023 To adjust our language to account for transference could be the first step toward a collective act of growing up. Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 11 July 2023 Infants under 3 months of age have more gold in their hair than older children and adults due to a transference from their mother’s breast milk. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2023 What’s there is a transference of community spirit, passed from one person to the next. Lauren Daley, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Apr. 2023 There comes a time in many lives when a kind of matter transference takes place in the relationship between parent and child. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 5 May 2023 The first psychoanalyst is still, more than 80 years after his death, a transference figure. Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2023 The art of Chinese stir-fry cooking is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate with induction burners, even those specifically designed for woks, in part because heat transference occurs only when the pan is in contact with the electromagnetic cooktop. Tim Carman, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2023

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transference was in 1681

Dictionary Entries Near transference

Cite this Entry

“Transference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transference. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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