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

There’s a delicate act of transference happening, a gift being given, and given doubly. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024

Wolle and her creative team wanted to depict the space as a microcosm of cultural transference, a sacred space that resists the chaos of change. —Essence, 16 Sep. 2024

Saurav Ghosh, a lawyer at the Campaign Legal Center, told Reuters that Harris remaining on the ticket makes the transference of those funds easier. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 21 July 2024

That transference has helped companies in the slime businesses—the museum and maker-space Sloomoo Institute, online slime shop OG Slimes, and Newell Brands Elmer’s Glue—grow quickly. —Nicole Gull McElroy, WIRED, 13 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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