sublimation
[ suhb-luh-mey-shuh n ]
/ ˌsʌb ləˈmeɪ ʃən /
noun
Psychology.
the diversion of the energy of a sexual or other biological impulse from its immediate goal to one of a more acceptable social, moral, or aesthetic nature or use.
Chemistry.
the act, fact, or process of subliming(def 9).
a purification or refinement; ennoblement.
OTHER WORDS FROM sublimation
sub·li·ma·tion·al, adjective non·sub·li·ma·tion, noun re·sub·li·ma·tion, nounWords nearby sublimation
Example sentences from the Web for sublimation
British Dictionary definitions for sublimation
sublimation
/ (ˌsʌblɪˈmeɪʃən) /
noun
(in Freudian psychology) the diversion of psychic energy derived from sexual impulses into nonsexual activity, esp of a creative nature
the process or an instance of sublimating
something sublimated
chem
the process or instance or subliming
Medical definitions for sublimation
sublimation
[ sŭb′lə-mā′shən ]
n.
The act or process of sublimating.
Something that has been sublimated.
An unconscious defense mechanism in which unacceptable instinctual drives and wishes are modified into more personally and socially acceptable channels.
Scientific definitions for sublimation
sublimation
[ sŭb′lə-mā′shən ]
The process of changing from a solid to a gas without passing through an intermediate liquid phase. Carbon dioxide, at a pressure of one atmosphere, sublimates at about -78 degrees Celsius. Ice and snow on the Earth's surface also sublimate at temperatures below the freezing point of water. Compare deposition.
Cultural definitions for sublimation (1 of 2)
sublimation
[ (sub-luh-may-shuhn) ]
In Freudian psychology, a defense mechanism by which the individual satisfies a socially prohibited instinctive drive (usually sexual or aggressive) through the substitution of socially acceptable behavior. For example, someone with strong sexual drives who paints nude portraits may be engaging in sublimation.
Cultural definitions for sublimation (2 of 2)
sublimation
[ (sub-luh-may-shuhn) ]
In chemistry, the direct conversion of a solid into a gas, without passage through a liquid stage. (See phases of matter.)