English dictionary

catharsis

/k/@/'/T//A/rs/I/s/

Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.

noun

(psychoanalysis) purging of emotional tensions

noun.act

Synonyms abreaction katharsis

Source: WordNet 3.0
purging the body by the use of a cathartic to stimulate evacuation of the bowels

noun.act

Synonyms katharsis purgation

Source: WordNet 3.0
A natural or artificial purgation of any passage, as of the mouth, bowels, etc.

noun

Source: webster1913
The process of relieving an abnormal excitement by reëstablishing the association of the emotion with the memory or idea of the event that first caused it, and of eliminating it by complete expression (called the <i>abreaction</i>).

noun

Source: webster1913