intellectualization

intellectualization definition - medical

in·tel·lec·tu·al·i·za·tion (ĭnˌtl-ĕkˌcho͞o-ə-lĭ-zāˈshən)

noun
  1. The act or process of intellectualizing.
  2. An unconscious means of protecting oneself from the emotional stress and anxiety associated with confronting painful personal fears or problems by excessive reasoning.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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