catharsis — meaning in English

English meaning

• catharsis noun A powerful release of pent-up emotion, often triggered by a dramatic experience like a film, book, or performance.

Senses

catharsis is used for these senses in English:

• catharsis (drama) A release of emotional tension after an overwhelming vicarious experience, resulting in the purging or purification of the emotions, as through watching a dramatic production (especially a tragedy).
• catharsis Any release of emotional tension to the same effect, more widely.

catharsis — full definition

1. noun A powerful release of pent-up emotion, often triggered by a dramatic experience like a film, book, or performance.
2. noun More broadly, any process of releasing and clearing out strong emotions.

Related French words