Search Dictionary
Definition of catharsis

catharsis

/kəˈθɑːr.sɪs/
ca · thar · sis
Adverb:cathartically
•
Plural:catharses
•
Adjective:cathartic
JUMP TO:

catharsis Lexical Profile

catharsis Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions, often through art, drama, or psychotherapy.

Example

"Writing in her journal every evening provided a much-needed catharsis after months of grief."

2

The purgation or evacuation of the bowels, especially through the administration of a laxative.

Example

"The physician ordered a mild laxative to induce intestinal catharsis before the diagnostic procedure."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for catharsis
Antonyms
View all antonyms for catharsis

• Rhymes for catharsis

• Nearby Words

catflap
catfood
catharanthus
catharsis
cathartic
cathedral
catheter

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek katharsis ('cleansing' or 'purgation'), from kathairein ('to cleanse'), derived from katharos ('pure' or 'clean'). The term was famously used by Aristotle in his Poetics to describe the emotional purging experienced by spectators of tragedy.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Catharsis. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/catharsis
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.