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catharsis definition

ca·thar·sis (kə t̸här′sis)

noun

  1. purgation, esp. of the bowels
  2. the purifying of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, esp. by art; concept applied originally by Aristotle to the effect of tragic drama on the audience
  3. Psychiatry the alleviation of fear, problems, and complexes by bringing them to consciousness or giving them expression

Etymology: ModL < Gr katharsis, purification < kathairein, to purify < katharos, pure

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

medical catharsis definition - medical

catharsis Synonyms

catharsis

n.

purgation, cleansing, release; see cleaning, purification.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

catharsis Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • experience: Once we begin examining ourselves, we will experience catharsis many, many times.

Adjective modifier

  • emotional: The city may be in mourning, but the numerous church services and candlelight vigils help provide some emotional catharsis.
catharsis usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"catharsis." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/catharsis>

APA Style

catharsis. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/catharsis

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