Sublimate
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈsʌblɪmeɪt/
Origin
Latin sublimatus, past participle of sublimare ("to raise, elevate").
Full definition of sublimate
Verb
- (ambitransitive, physics) To change state from a solid to a gas (or from a gas to a solid) without passing through the liquid state.
- To purify or refine a substance through such a change of state.
- (transitive, psychoanalysis) To modify the natural expression of a sexual or primitive instinct in a socially acceptable manner; to divert the energy of such an instinct into some acceptable activity.
- (archaic) To raise to a place of honor; to refine and exalt; to heighten; to elevate.
- Dr. H. MoreThe precepts of Christianity are ... so apt to cleanse and sublimate the more gross and corrupt.