kəˈthärsə̇s, -thȧs- noun
( plural cathar·ses -ˌsēz)
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek katharsis, from kathairein to clean, purify, from katharos pure
1. : purgation 1
2.
a. : the purification or purgation of the emotions (as pity and fear) primarily through art
leaves the spectator “as empty, as changed, and as sad” as any other tragic catharsis — Carlos Baker
— used by Aristotle in his description of the effect of tragedy
b. : any purification or purgation that brings about a spiritual renewal or a satisfying release from tension
these drawings served as a catharsis , relieving him of his burden of terrible memories, at the same time releasing hidden creative forces — Eva Michaelis-Stern
3.
a. : the process of bringing repressed ideas and feelings into consciousness especially by the technique of free association as employed in psychoanalysis, drugs or hypnosis sometimes being used as adjuvants — compare hypnotherapy , narcoanalysis
b. : abreaction