Main Entry:

ca·thar·sis

Pronunciation:

\kə-ˈthär-səs\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural ca·thar·ses \-ˌsēz\

Etymology:

New Latin, from Greek katharsis, from kathairein to cleanse, purge, from katharos

Date:

circa 1775

1: purgation2 a: purification or purgation of the emotions (as pity and fear) primarily through art b: a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension3: elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression