katharsis

/kəˈθɑrsɪs/
noun
  1. The process of releasing strong emotions, such as fear or sadness, through art, drama, or other experiences, leading to a feeling of relief or cleansing.
    • Many people find katharsis in writing about their painful memories.
    • Crying after a long, stressful week can be a form of emotional katharsis.
    • Watching the tragic play gave the audience a sense of katharsis.
  2. In psychology, the release of repressed emotions or tensions, often through talking or expressing feelings.
    • Some athletes experience katharsis after a tough workout, feeling mentally lighter.
    • The therapist encouraged her patient to achieve katharsis by discussing childhood experiences.
    • Journaling every night helped him find katharsis from his daily anxieties.
Antonyms
What does "katharsis" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean