sublimate
1sub·li·mate
verb \ˈsə-blə-ˌmāt\sub·li·mat·edsub·li·mat·ing
Definition of SUBLIMATE
transitive verb
2
: to divert the expression of (an instinctual desire or impulse) from its unacceptable form to one that is considered more socially or culturally acceptable
— sub·li·ma·tion \ˌsə-blə-ˈmā-shən\ noun
Examples of SUBLIMATE
- She sublimated her erotic feelings into a series of paintings.
- I sublimated my grief at the death of my mother by throwing myself into my work.
Origin of SUBLIMATE
Middle English, from Medieval Latin sublimatus, past participle of sublimare
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Psychology Terms
Rhymes with SUBLIMATE
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