Main Entry: ¹ca·thar·tic

Pronunciation: \kə-ˈthär-tik\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Late Latin or Greek; Late Latin catharticus, from Greek kathartikos, from kathairein

Date: 1612

: of, relating to, or producing catharsis <cathartic drugs> <a cathartic experience>

— ca·thar·tic·al·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb