behaviour that occurs typically when there is a conflict between motives and that has no relevance to either motive, e.g. head scratching
2. zoology
the substitution of a pattern of animal behaviour that is different from behaviour relevant to the situation, e.g. preening at an apparently inappropriate time
Examples of 'displacement activity' in a sentence
displacement activity
You need to keep yourself busy with proper displacement activity.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We can offer you various forms of displacement activity.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Cleaning was a pointless displacement activity.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Arguments about parking are displacement activity.