catharsis
[ kuh-thahr-sis ]
/ kəˈθɑr sɪs /
noun, plural ca·thar·ses [kuh-thahr-seez] /kəˈθɑr siz/.
the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, as tragedy or music.
Medicine/Medical.
purgation.
Psychiatry.
- psychotherapy that encourages or permits the discharge of pent-up, socially unacceptable affects.
- discharge of pent-up emotions so as to result in the alleviation of symptoms or the permanent relief of the condition.
Origin of catharsis
1795–1805; < New Latin < Greek
kátharsis a cleansing, equivalent to
kathar- (variant stem of
kathaírein to cleanse, derivative of
katharós pure) +
-sis
-sis
OTHER WORDS FROM catharsis
hy·per·ca·thar·sis, nounWords nearby catharsis
Example sentences from the Web for catharsis
British Dictionary definitions for catharsis
catharsis
/ (kəˈθɑːsɪs) /
noun plural -ses
(in Aristotelian literary criticism) the purging or purification of the emotions through the evocation of pity and fear, as in tragedy
psychoanal
the bringing of repressed ideas or experiences into consciousness, thus relieving tensions
See also abreaction
purgation, esp of the bowels
Word Origin for catharsis
C19: New Latin, from Greek
katharsis, from
kathairein to purge, purify
Medical definitions for catharsis
catharsis
[ kə-thär′sĭs ]
n. pl. ca•thar•ses (-sēz)
Purgation.
A psychological technique used to relieve tension and anxiety by bringing repressed feelings and fears to consciousness.
The therapeutic result of this process; abreaction.
Cultural definitions for catharsis
catharsis
[ (kuh-thahr-suhs) ]
An experience of emotional release and purification, often inspired by or through art. In psychoanalysis, catharsis is the release of tension and anxiety that results from bringing repressed feelings and memories into consciousness.