CATHARSIS

noun (plural catharses) Etymology: New Latin, from Greek katharsis, from kathairein to cleanse, purge, from katharos Date: circa 1775 purgation , 2. purification or purgation of the emotions (as pity and fear) primarily through art, a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension, elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression