sublimate Definition
sub·li·mate (sub′lə māt′; for adj. & n., also, -mit)
transitive verb -·mat′ed, -·mat′·ing
- to cause to change directly from a solid to a gas, or from a gas to a solid, without becoming a liquid
- to have a purifying or ennobling influence or effect on
- to express (socially or personally unacceptable impulses, specif. sexual impulses) in constructive, acceptable forms, often unconsciously
Etymology: < L sublimatus, pp. of sublimare: see sublime,
intransitive verb
to undergo sublimating
adjective
sublimated
noun
a substance that is the product of sublimating
sublimate Related Forms
sub′·li·ma′·tion noun
sublimate Synonyms
sublimate
v.
sublimate Usage Examples
Object
urge: But most of us are driven to sublimate this urge by the solving of artificial puzzles devised for our entertainment.
Adjective modifier
corrosive: Formaldehyde proved safer and less troublesome than corrosive sublimate, chlorine gas or sulfur dioxide.
Browse dictionary entries near sublimate
- ‹ sublieutenant
- ‹ sublethal
- ‹ sublet
- ‹ sublease
- ‹ sublate
- ‹ sublapsarian
- ‹ subkingdom
- ‹ subjunctive
- ‹ subjugated
- ‹ subjugate
- sublime ›
- subliminal ›
- sublimity ›
- sublingual ›
- sublunary ›
- subluxation ›
- submachine gun ›
- submarginal ›
- submarine ›
- submarine cable ›

