reaction formation n a psychological defense mechanism in which one form of behavior substitutes for or conceals a diametrically opposed repressed impulse in order to protect against it
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(in psychoanalysis) a defence mechanism by which unacceptable unconscious ideas are replaced by the opposite conscious attitude. For instance, a man might make an ostentatious show of affection to someone for whom he has an unconscious hatred.
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a defense mechanism in which a person adopts conscious attitudes, interests, or feelings that are the opposites of his unconscious feelings, impulses, or wishes.Medical dictionary. 2011.