psy·cho·a·nal·y·sis (sīˌkō-ə-nălˈĭ-sĭs)

1. The method of psychological therapy originated by Sigmund Freud in which free association, dream interpretation, and analysis of resistance and transference are used to explore repressed or unconscious impulses, anxieties, and internal conflicts. Also called psychoanalytic therapy.
2. The theory of personality developed by Freud that focuses on repression and unconscious forces and includes the concepts of infantile sexuality, resistance, transference, and division of the psyche into the id, ego, and superego.
3. Psychotherapy incorporating this method and theory.

Related Forms:

• psyˌcho·anˌa·lytˈic (-ănˌə-lĭtˈĭk), psyˌcho·anˌa·lytˈi·cal (-ĭ-kəl) adjective