Original: In Freud 's psychology , displacement ( from German Verschiebung , literally meaning ` shift ' or ` move ' ) is an unconscious defense mechanism whereby the mind redirects affects from an object felt to be dangerous or unacceptable to an object felt to be safe or acceptable .
Simplified: Displacement is when the mind redirects affects ( thoughts , emotions , desires , etc. ) from one object felt to be dangerous or unacceptable to an object felt to be safe or acceptable .