the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
noun.
purging of emotional tensions; -- usually spelled catharsis.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
noun.
(psychoanalysis) purging of emotional tensions
noun.
purging the body by the use of a cathartic to stimulate evacuation of the bowels
Word Usage
"They both contain what the Greek called katharsis in their tragedies, -- that cleansing atmosphere which purges us of every baser feeling as we read them."