catharsis
English
Etymology
From (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Ancient Greek Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter "sc" should be a valid script code; the value "polytonic" is not valid. See WT:LOS., from Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter "sc" should be a valid script code; the value "polytonic" is not valid. See WT:LOS.. Coined in the dramatic-emotional sense by Aristotle.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "RP" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. (deprecated use of
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|lang=parameter)Audio (US): (file)
Noun
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).
- Any release of emotional tension to the same effect, more widely.
- A purification or cleansing, especially emotional.
- (psychology) A therapeutic technique to relieve tension by re-establishing the association of an emotion with the memory or idea of the event that first caused it, and then eliminating it by complete expression (called the abreaction).
- (medicine) Purging of the digestive system.
Related terms
Translations
in drama, a release of emotional tension
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any release of emotional tension
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a therapeutic technique to relieve tension
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