Catharsis or katharsis[1] is from the Ancient Greek word κάθαρσις, katharsis, meaning 'purification' or 'cleansing', commonly used to refer to the purification and purgation of thoughts and emotions by way of expressing them. The desired result is an emotional state of renewal and restoration. [2][3]
Catharsis and cathartic both trace to the Greek word kathairein, meaning “to cleanse, purge.” Catharsis entered English as a medical term having to do with purging the body—and especially the bowels—of unwanted material.
Catharsis involves a strong emotional component where strong feelings are felt and expressed, but there's also a crucial cognitive component in which the individual gains new insights.
Catharsis refers to the process of releasing strong, pent-up, or repressed emotions, which often takes place within a safe psychotherapeutic setting to bring about psychological relief.
catharsis, the purification or purgation of the emotions (especially pity and fear) primarily through art. In criticism, catharsis is a metaphor used by Aristotle in the Poetics to describe the effects of true tragedy on the spectator.
A concise definition of Catharsis along with usage tips, an expanded explanation, and lots of examples.
adjective us / kəˈθɑr t̬ɪk / a cathartic experience (Definition of catharsis from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
In literature and drama, catharsis refers to the emotional discharge a character (or the audience) experiences, typically triggered by a dramatic event. It’s not simply feeling emotion, but a feeling of emotional release and renewal.