Noun: catharsis (catharses) ku'thaa(r)-sis
- (psychoanalysis) purging of emotional tensions
"The therapy session led to a catharsis that helped the patient process past trauma";
- katharsis [archaic], abreaction
- Purging the body by the use of a cathartic to stimulate evacuation of the bowels
"The doctor recommended a gentle catharsis to relieve the patient's discomfort";
- katharsis [archaic], purgation
Derived forms: catharses
Encyclopedia: Catharsis