noun

catharsis

kuh-THAH-sihs

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Catharsis (noun) means a powerful release of pent-up emotion, often triggered by a dramatic experience like a film, book, or performance. Example: “Watching the tragedy unfold on stage gave the audience a real sense of catharsis.”

noun

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

"Watching the tragedy unfold on stage gave the audience a real sense of catharsis."

"Writing about the accident in her journal became a form of catharsis."

More broadly, any process of releasing and clearing out strong emotions.

"Screaming into a pillow was his go-to catharsis after a bad day."

How to use catharsis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn emotional release that leaves you feeling lighter or cleansed, often after something intense.

Memory tip

Often paired with "cathartic" as the adjective form: a cathartic experience produces catharsis.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a sense of catharsis a cathartic release emotional catharsis

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: catharses

Test yourself on “catharsis” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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Watching the tragedy unfold on stage gave the audience a real sense of _____.

Etymology

From Greek katharsis, "cleansing" or "purging" — Aristotle used the word to describe how tragic drama purges an audience's pity and fear.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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katharsis purgation abreaction

Related words

corruption purge purification abreaction katharsis purgation purging

Frequently asked questions

What does “catharsis” mean?

The word “catharsis” means a powerful release of pent-up emotion, often triggered by a dramatic experience like a film, book, or performance. In plain terms, an emotional release that leaves you feeling lighter or cleansed, often after something intense.

How do you pronounce “catharsis”?

“Catharsis” is pronounced kuh-THAH-sihs (/kəˈθɑɹˌsɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “catharsis” in a sentence?

Here is “catharsis” used in a sentence: “Watching the tragedy unfold on stage gave the audience a real sense of catharsis.”

What part of speech is “catharsis”?

“Catharsis” is a noun.

Where does the word “catharsis” come from?

The word “catharsis” comes from Greek. From Greek katharsis, "cleansing" or "purging" — Aristotle used the word to describe how tragic drama purges an audience's pity and fear.

How many meanings does “catharsis” have?

“Catharsis” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a powerful release of pent-up emotion, often triggered by a dramatic experience like a film, book, or performance.

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corruption purge purification abreaction katharsis purgation purging