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.
  1. psychotherapy that encourages or permits the discharge of pent-up, socially unacceptable affects.
  2. 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, noun

Words 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-thärsĭs ]

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.