Vocab Bloom Hub

reaction formation

/riˈækʃən fɔːrˈmeɪʃən/

1 entry

phrase

/riˈækʃən fɔːrˈmeɪʃən/C1formalscientific
  • ruПсихологический защитный механизм, при котором человек бессознательно заменяет неприемлемый или вызывающий тревогу импульс на противоположный, часто выражающийся в преувеличенном или ригидном поведении.

A psychological defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously replaces an unacceptable or anxiety-provoking impulse with its opposite, often expressed in exaggerated or rigid behavior.

  1. Psychological defense mechanismC2formal

    A defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously replaces an unacceptable impulse with its opposite in conscious behavior.

    ruРеактивное образование

    • His aggressive teasing of the new student was a reaction formation to his own feelings of insecurity.
    • She expressed excessive admiration for her rival, a classic case of reaction formation.
    • The politician's loud condemnation of corruption might be a reaction formation to his own hidden temptations.