# abreaction

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abreaction
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a sudden and strong emotional reaction to a past event. It is often used in psychology to describe a way people release deep feelings they have been holding back.

For teachers: a sudden and intense emotional release, typically involving the re-experiencing of a traumatic event. Often used in the context of psychotherapy to describe the cathartic discharge of repressed emotions.

## Examples

- The patient had a strong abreaction during the therapy session.
- The therapist encouraged the client to describe the accident in detail to facilitate a complete abreaction of the trauma.
- While some critics argue that abreaction can be re-traumatizing, others maintain that the immediate emotional release is a necessary first step toward long-term psychological healing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.