conversion
Pronunciation: kon-ver'zhun
Definition:
- A defense mechanism conceptualized by Freud, building on the work of Briquet and Charcot, by which unconscious conflict or repressed thought is expressed symbolically, or somatically.
- In virology, the acquisition by bacteria of a new property associated with the presence of a prophage.
Synonym(s): transmutation
[L. con-verto, pp. -versus, to turn around, to change]
See Also: somatoform disorder, conversion disorder, hysteria
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