symbolism

symbolism /sym·bol·ism/ (sim´bo-lizm)

1. the act or process of representing something by a symbol.

2. in psychoanalytic theory, a mechanism of unconscious thinking characterized by substitution of a symbol for a repressed or threatening impulse or object so as to avoid censorship by the superego.

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sym·bol·ism (smb-lzm)

n.

1. A mental state in which everything that happens is regarded by the individual as symbolic of his or her own thoughts.

2. The disguised representation in conscious thought of unconscious or repressed contents or events.