Reaction formation refers to the process by which people

consciously express feelings that are the opposite of unacceptable unconscious impulses

Explanation:

Reaction formation can be defined as the process in which people understand that their impulses are unacceptable and are able to masterfully put forth an exaggerated opposite of the tendency. Reaction formation is known to be an act of behaving in a way and manner which is completely different from how someone wanted to act or behave. Thus, it is a form of defense mechanism which makes an individual to feel that their feelings or actions are unacceptable in the society and as a result, express their feelings or actions in opposite way which is acceptable.