A defensive reaction in response to threatening impulse that is the opposite of the original?

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Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an unacceptable or threatening impulse is expressed as its opposite to reduce anxiety. In this scenario, the person’s uncomfortable impulse is transformed into a behavior or attitude that is the direct opposite of that impulse, signaling the mind’s attempt to shield itself from distress. For example, someone who harbors anger toward a coworker might respond with exaggerated kindness and friendliness toward that person. This reversal helps keep the impulse out of conscious awareness and protects self-esteem.

This differs from denial, which involves refusing to acknowledge the impulse or threat; repression, which pushes the impulse out of awareness; or projection, which attributes the impulse to someone else. The defining feature here is the transformation of the forbidden impulse into an overtly opposite reaction.