transference

noun

trans·fer·ence tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s ˈtran(t)s-(ˌ)fər-

: an act, process, or instance of transferring : conveyance, transfer

: 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

That said, pull-ups do provide some functional life transference. — Christa Sgobba, Health, 12 June 2026 The text also suggests wearing amulets that bring blessings and aid the transference of consciousness. — Jue Liang, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026 This eerie novel of obsession and transference alternates between two story lines. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 25 May 2026 Einbinder and Anderson locked into a psychosexual transference story already feels plenty potent. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for transference

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of transference was in 1681

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Style

“Transference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transference. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

transference

noun

Examples of transference in a Sentence

Word History

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Medical Definition

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transference

noun

Examples of transference in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for transference

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

Legal Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on transference

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

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The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes