parapraxis

[par-uh-prak-sis]

noun, plural par·a·prax·es [par-uh-prak-seez] /ˌpær əˈpræk siz/. Psychology.

a slip of the tongue or pen, forgetfulness, misplacement of objects, or other error thought to reveal unconscious wishes or attitudes.

Compare Freudian slip.

Origin of parapraxis

1935–40; para-¹ + Greek prâxis act, action; cf. praxis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for parapraxis

parapraxis

noun

psychoanal a minor error in action, such as slips of the tongue, supposedly the result of repressed impulsesSee also Freudian slip

Word Origin for parapraxis

C20: from para- 1 + Greek praxis a doing, deed

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for parapraxis

"faulty action, blunder," 1904, from Modern Latin, from para- "contrary" (see para- (1)) + Greek praxis "a doing, transaction, business" (see praxis). In psychology, a minor error held to reveal a subconscious motive.