adj
cathartic
kuh-THAHR-tihk
Cathartic (adj) means producing an intense emotional release, especially after built-up tension or distress. Example: “Talking it through with a friend was cathartic after such a stressful week.”
adj
1
Producing an intense emotional release, especially after built-up tension or distress.
"Talking it through with a friend was cathartic after such a stressful week."
"The final chapter delivers a cathartic ending readers won't forget."
noun
1
A medicine that strongly stimulates the bowels; a laxative.
"The doctor prescribed a mild cathartic to relieve his constipation."
How to use cathartic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEmotionally cleansing (the common use today), or, in medicine, something that clears out the bowels.
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Word forms
- Plural
- cathartics
- Comparative
- more cathartic
- Superlative
- most cathartic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Talking it through with a friend was _____ after such a stressful week.
Etymology
Borrowed via New Latin catharticus from Greek kathartikos, "cleansing" — the same root as catharsis.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “cathartic” mean?
The word “cathartic” means producing an intense emotional release, especially after built-up tension or distress. In plain terms, emotionally cleansing (the common use today), or, in medicine, something that clears out the bowels.
How do you pronounce “cathartic”?
“Cathartic” is pronounced kuh-THAHR-tihk (/kəˈθɑɹtɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “cathartic” in a sentence?
Here is “cathartic” used in a sentence: “Talking it through with a friend was cathartic after such a stressful week.”
What part of speech is “cathartic”?
Depending on how it is used, “cathartic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “cathartic” come from?
The word “cathartic” comes from New Latin. Borrowed via New Latin catharticus from Greek kathartikos, "cleansing" — the same root as catharsis.
How many meanings does “cathartic” have?
“Cathartic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: producing an intense emotional release, especially after built-up tension or distress.
