cathartic Definition
- 1providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions; causing catharsis
- 2relating to or producing catharsis, the purification of emotions by the release of strong feelings
Using cathartic: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cathartic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Writing in a journal can be a cathartic experience.
Example
Crying can be a cathartic release of emotions.
Example
The movie was a cathartic experience for the audience.
cathartic Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for cathartic
Antonyms for cathartic
Phrases with cathartic
the feeling of emotional release or purification that comes from expressing strong emotions
Example
After screaming into a pillow, she felt a cathartic effect and was able to calm down.
an event or activity that provides emotional release or purification
Example
For some people, running is a cathartic experience that helps them clear their minds.
a type of therapy that focuses on releasing repressed emotions in order to promote healing
Example
She found cathartic therapy to be very helpful in dealing with her past traumas.
Origins of cathartic
from Greek 'kathartikos', meaning 'purifying'
Summary: cathartic in Brief
The term 'cathartic' [kuh-thahr-tik] refers to something that provides psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions. It can be used to describe an event or activity that promotes emotional release or purification, such as writing in a journal or crying. 'Cathartic' also extends to phrases like 'cathartic effect,' which describes the feeling of emotional release that comes from expressing strong emotions.