Definitions for catharsis

• Definition
• Anagrams (403)

catharsis ca·thar·sis

Spelling: [kuh-thahr-sis]

IPA: /kəˈθɑr sɪs/

Catharsis is a 9 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 14 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 14 points.

You can make 403 anagrams from letters in catharsis (aachirsst).

Definitions for catharsis

noun

1. the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, as tragedy or music.
2. Medicine/Medical. purgation.
3. Psychiatry. psychotherapy that encourages or permits the discharge of pent-up, socially unacceptable affects. discharge of pent-up emotions so as to result in the alleviation of symptoms or the permanent relief of the condition.

Origin of catharsis

1795-1805; New Latin Greek kátharsis a cleansing, equivalent to kathar- (variant stem of kathaírein to cleanse, derivative of katharós pure) + -sis -sis

Examples for catharsis

This has some associations with the theory of catharsis, a view that is linked to purification and cleansing.

He however refers only to the catharsis upon the spectator, but not to that of the author's work upon himself.

Encountering such exaggerations on the page serves as a kind of catharsis, and provides a kind of perspective.

But I always feel that making the film is the catharsis that stops the nightmares, if you will.

It does not touch the ‘catharsis’ of tragedy, which is another matter.

In fact, on Wednesday, one of the most popular term tags used was “catharsis.”

Thus, catharsis, in a physiological sense, has been difficult to substantiate, but the results are by no means conclusive.

Evacuations by venesection and catharsis, and then by the exhibition of opium.

He had no sympathy with the poetry that had a social message and he did not understand its effect as a catharsis.

There are certainly times when catharsis is necessary but "one thing is certain, the day for routine purgation is past."