1. an outward manifestation of an intrapsychic state. For example, a high-pitched voice is a sign of arousal, blushing is a sign of embarrassment, and so on. See also affect display.

2. an emotional response in which the individual attempts to influence his or her relation to the world through the intermediacy of others, rather than directly. For example, a sad face and slumped posture elicit nurturing from others. Expressions differ from action tendencies, which influence the world directly, and from feelings, which are intrapsychic experiences of the significance of a transaction.