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symptomatic act

an action that appears to be intended for one purpose (or to have no particular purpose) but that betrays a hidden intention or meaning. In classical psychoanalytic theory, such acts are thought to represent repressed impulses, affects, or ideas. Also called symbolic action. See also compromise formation; Freudian slip; parapraxis; symptom formation.

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

surrogate

surrogate

n.

1. a person or object that substitutes for the role of an individual who has a significant position in a family or group. See father surrogate; mother surrogate.

2. more generally, any person or entity that substitutes for another.