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

Einbinder and Anderson locked into a psychosexual transference story already feels plenty potent. —Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

Layla, who has always been a reluctant helper to her abusive mother, arrives and gives Dalia a VHS tape that reveals the ritual chant of demonic transference, showing Nasmaranian entering Katie’s body. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026

The text also suggests wearing amulets that bring blessings and aid the transference of consciousness. —Jue Liang, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026

The ancient Greek word charassein contains an element of what Kirby was taking about—that the creation of a character is in some way one of personal transference, a kind of mythological wish fulfillment. —Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 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