n.
Pronunciation: k ə - ' thär-s ə s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural ca · thar · ses \ - ˌ s ē z \
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek katharsis, from kathairein to cleanse, purge, from katharos
Date: circa 1775
1 : PURGATION
2 a : purification or purgation of the emotions (as pity and fear) primarily through art b : a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension
3 : elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression