Cathartic
/kəˈθɑː.tɪk/noun
Relating to the purification or cleansing of emotions.
Did you know?The term 'cathartic' originally described a powerful purging in both physical and emotional contexts, connecting to ancient Greek practices of cleansing the soul.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
καθαρτικός (kathartikos)
“Pertaining to cleansing, purifying, or the act of purging.”
Late Latin
Latin
catharticus
“Relating to purification or cleansing.”
Middle English
Middle English
cathartik
“Describing a substance that causes purging.”
Modern English
English
cathartic
“Referring to any emotional release or therapeutic effect.”