catharsis

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

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.