catharsis
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Ancient Greek κάθαρσις (katharsis, “cleansing, purging”), from καθαίρω (kathairō, “I cleanse”). Coined in the dramatic-emotional sense by Aristotle.
Pronunciation[edit]
Noun[edit]
catharsis (plural catharses)
- (drama) A release of emotional tension after an overwhelming vicarious experience, resulting in the purging or purification of the emotions, as through watching a dramatic production (especially a tragedy).
- Seeing the hero's catharsis helped her deal with the loss of her parents.
- Any release of emotional tension to the same effect, more widely.
- A purification or cleansing, especially emotional.
- (psychology) A therapeutic technique to relieve tension.
- (medicine) Purging of the digestive system.
Translations[edit]
in drama, a release of emotional tension
any release of emotional tension
a therapeutic technique to relieve tension
