Catharsis

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /kəˈθɑːsɪs/
• US IPA: /kəˈθɑːɹˌsɪs/

Origin

From Ancient Greek κάθαρσις (katharsis, "cleansing, purging"), from καθαίρω (kathairō, "I cleanse"). Coined in the dramatic-emotional sense by Aristotle.

Full definition of catharsis

Noun

1. (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).
2. Any release of emotional tension to the same effect, more widely.
3. A purification or cleansing, especially emotional.
4. (psychology) A therapeutic technique to relieve tension.
5. (medicine) Purging of the digestive system.

Related terms

• cathartic

Anagrams

• archaists