DictionaryAI

catharsis

noun
kuh-THAR-sis/kəˈθɑɹˌsɪs/UKkuh-THAH-sis/kəˈθɑːsɪs/

Pluralcatharses

3 meanings of catharsis

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable or uncountable
    A release of strong feelings, from a play, film, or any experience, that leaves you feeling better.

    Crying with her sister after the funeral was a real catharsis for her.

    After a hard week, hitting the punching bag gives him a kind of catharsis.

    UsageThe adjective is cathartic.

Less common meanings

  1. 2
    noun
    A therapy method that eases stress by linking a feeling to what first caused it, then letting it all out.
  2. 3
    noun
    Emptying the bowels, usually with a medicine that makes them move.

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Origin

It comes from a Greek word meaning "cleansing". Aristotle first used it for strong feelings in drama.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts