This is the 15815th most frequent German word.
übersprungshandlung
"Übersprungshandlung" refers to a spontaneous, irrelevant action performed when someone is conflicted or unable to decide between two impulses or reactions.
The term 'übersprungshandlung' is used in the context of ethology to describe behavior that appears to be out of context, often emerging in situations where conflicting motivations occur, applied here to an animal's unexpected grooming behavior.
Die Übersprungshandlung des Tieres zeigte sich, indem es plötzlich anfing, sich zu putzen.
The displacement activity of the animal was evident as it suddenly started grooming itself.
In this context, 'übersprungshandlung' is applied to a human behavior resulting from nervousness, serving as a release for emotional tension.
Während des Streits begann sie, aus Nervosität eine Übersprungshandlung zu vollführen, nämlich ihre Haare zu knicken.
During the argument, she, out of nervousness, performed a displacement activity, namely twisting her hair.
Here, 'übersprungshandlung' is discussed in general terms as a behavior that can signal the presence of stress, providing psychological insight into behavioral patterns.