primary gain

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. the removal of emotional conflict or relief of anxiety that is the immediate benefit of a defense mechanism or neurotic symptom.

Example Sentences

It means that even if the three candidates challenging Mr. Trump in the Republican primary gain vote shares, they almost certainly won’t translate into speeches or jeers from supporters of these candidates when the convention is taking place.

From New York Times

“Now reconciliation becomes his primary gain, and although he would still have to show the international community that he is still for peace, I don’t think he will be trying to do it in a manner that forces Hamas to make a choice.”

From New York Times

The primary gain for cash-strapped Sprint will be the short-term infusion of funds as it struggles to whittle down debt.

From Reuters

Google Has Its Own Patent “Moat” Now As discussed in our recent note, the primary gain for Google is access to Motorola’s 17,000+ patent portfolio.

From Forbes

The primary gain: Gemayel was forced to convene a reconciliation conference in Geneva to redistribute national power more fairly.

From Time Magazine Archive