reaction formation Synonyms
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
reaction formation Meaning
reaction formation (n)
(psychiatry) a defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously develops attitudes and behavior that are the opposite of unacceptable repressed desires and impulses and serve to conceal them
reaction formation Sentence Examples
- The patient's reaction formation manifested as an obsessive need for cleanliness, a defense against subconscious feelings of dirtiness.
- Her friendly demeanor was a reaction formation, masking her underlying hostility toward others.
- The child's extreme obedience to his parents was a reaction formation against his desire to rebel.
- The therapist interpreted the client's excessive pride as a reaction formation to their underlying feelings of inferiority.
- The politician's staunch support of social justice was a reaction formation, compensating for his earlier involvement in discriminatory practices.
- The teacher's strict discipline was not a reflection of his true nature, but a reaction formation to his own rebellious past.
- The couple's intense romantic passion was a reaction formation against their fear of intimacy.
- The mother's overprotection of her child was a reaction formation to her feelings of guilt over her previous neglect.
- The employee's constant flattery of his boss was a reaction formation, disguising his disdain for the authority figure.
- The therapist suggested that the client's excessive empathy was a reaction formation, protecting them from their own emotional vulnerability.
FAQs About the word reaction formation
(psychiatry) a defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously develops attitudes and behavior that are the opposite of unacceptable repressed desires and imp
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
The patient's reaction formation manifested as an obsessive need for cleanliness, a defense against subconscious feelings of dirtiness.
Her friendly demeanor was a reaction formation, masking her underlying hostility toward others.
The child's extreme obedience to his parents was a reaction formation against his desire to rebel.
The therapist interpreted the client's excessive pride as a reaction formation to their underlying feelings of inferiority.
