Catharsis
/kəˈθɑːr.sɪs/noun
The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.
Did you know?In ancient Greek theater, catharsis was crucial for audience purification, linking emotional release to spiritual enlightenment and transformation.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κάθαρσις
“Purification, cleansing, or healing.”
14th Century
Latin
catharsis
“A medical term implying purging or cleansing.”
16th Century
English
catharsis
“Adoption of the term in psychological contexts for emotional relief.”
Modern English
English
catharsis
“Continued use referring to emotional release in therapeutic settings.”