projection

The display of an image on a screen or other surface using a machine.

• The projection filled the wall.
• We need a white screen for film projection.
• The technician adjusted the projection before the audience arrived.

Common phrases: film projection, video projection, projection screen

The assumption that other people have the same thoughts, feelings, or experiences as you.

• His belief that everyone felt lonely was projection.
• Through projection, she assumed her friends shared her fears.
• The therapist explained how projection could affect his relationships.

How to use it: projection of something onto someone (This was a projection of his hopes onto his daughter.)

Common phrases: psychological projection, projection onto someone, through projection

The extension of something beyond the surface or edge around it.

• The roof has a slight projection beyond the wall.
• The projection of the beam leaves little room below.
• We measured the rock’s projection over the path.

Similar words: extension, protrusion

Common phrases: outward projection, projection beyond something, roof projection

Blaming someone else for bad feelings or qualities that are actually your own.

• Her accusation was a case of projection.
• He called her selfish, but his therapist suggested projection.
• Projection can make people blame others for their own faults.

How to use it: projection of something onto someone (His criticism showed a projection of his own faults onto others.)

Common phrases: projection onto someone, projection of guilt, defensive projection