Definition

The process of shifting feelings and emotions from one person to another, often seen in therapy when a patient projects feelings about someone from their past onto their therapist.

Example

In therapy, transference can help the patient understand their feelings towards important figures in their life.

Conversation

I was reading about transference in therapy the other day.

Oh really? What did you find interesting about it?

It’s fascinating how feelings can be directed towards someone new, like a therapist.

Yeah, it makes sense — we often project past experiences onto new relationships.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Transference → It is formed from "trans-" (meaning across) and "ferre" (meaning to carry). The word describes the act of carrying something across from one place or person to another.

Memory Tip

Think of 'carrying' ('ferre') something 'across' ('trans-') — that's what transference means.

Visually Confused Words