Learn English – being in a state of being subdued called

word-choice

In geology, subduction is the process that takes place at convergent boundaries by which one tectonic plate moves under another tectonic plate… (Wikipedia)

Now I understand that quite literally, subduction is a process whereby one thing goes underneath another; and while figuratively an emotional state being subdued by another state or a more pressing need as enforced by the superego might be considered a careful use of literary license, I would like to know if there is a less grandiose word for this state.

How can I describe the mind state of when one emotion is subdued, perhaps subverted, by another? In particular, this is in reference to the state where one wants to become aggressive, but ends up despondent because the vulnerability of aggression subverts its exercise.

Best Answer

The term sublimation is related:

In psychology, sublimation is a mature type of defence mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses or idealizations are consciously transformed into socially acceptable actions or behaviour, possibly converting the initial impulse in the long term.
... The substitution might not be quite what we want, but it is the only way that we can get part of our satisfaction and feel secure, too.

As suggested in a comment, to "be in a state of sublimation" is of questionable form. Yes, one may experience sublimation, and one may say an emotion was sublimated.

More generally, sublimation might be a defense mechanism.

In Freudian psychoanalytic theory, ... defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies brought into play by various entities to cope with reality and to maintain self-image

Or it might be a coping strategy:

Coping is ... expending conscious effort to solve personal and interpersonal problems, and seeking to master, minimize or tolerate stress or conflict. Psychological coping mechanisms are commonly termed coping strategies or coping skills. Unconscious or non conscious strategies (e.g., defense mechanisms) are generally excluded.

Related Topic