reaction formation

[ ree-ak-shuhn fawr-mey-shuhn ]

noun

, Psychoanalysis, Psychology.

1. a defense mechanism in which a repressed impulse is expressed through behavior that is in direct opposition:

   An inferiority complex manifesting as narcissistic personalty disorder is a classic reaction formation.

reaction formation

noun

1. psychoanal a defence mechanism by which a person at a conscious level condemns a repressed wish: thus, a latent homosexual may denounce homosexuality

Word History and Origins

Origin of reaction formation¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Sigmund Freud referred to projection, sublimation, reaction formation, displacement—all tools of self-distancing from problems that touch the ego too profoundly.

From Scientific American

All the time, he was talking about denial, repression, splitting, reaction formation and ego-defense mechanisms.

From Scientific American

Now we know from neuropsychology that burning ambition in later years represents a reaction formation to infantile bed wetting.

From Project Gutenberg

Only now and then have we found in the dream traces of reaction formations, as, for instance, the tenderness toward friend R. in the "uncle dream."

From Project Gutenberg

Note 8: In the case here discussed the sublimation of the sexual motive powers proceed on the road of reaction formations.

From Project Gutenberg