Word
cathartic
Phoneticscathar·tic
US/kəˈθɑɹtɪk/
UK/kæθˈɑːtɪk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a feeling of relief or release after you have been through a difficult or emotional experience. It is like a deep breath of fresh air after a long, hard time.
n. a sense of emotional relief or release following a period of intense stress or trauma. Often used to describe the psychological benefit of expressing repressed feelings.
Examples
“Writing about my problems was a cathartic experience.”
“The group therapy session provided a cathartic release for the participants, allowing them to share their grief openly.”
“While the initial shock of the diagnosis was overwhelming, the subsequent months of counseling proved to be a deeply cathartic journey toward emotional stability.”
Examples
simple
“Writing about my problems was a cathartic experience.”
contextual
“The group therapy session provided a cathartic release for the participants, allowing them to share their grief openly.”
complex
“While the initial shock of the diagnosis was overwhelming, the subsequent months of counseling proved to be a deeply cathartic journey toward emotional stability.”
Real-World Examples
“Throughout the series, right up to the unpredictable and cathartic final episode, the writers work overtime to humanise their experiences.” “The lyrics deal with memories and regrets; the closing scream isn’t so much cathartic as chilling.” Etymology
Learned borrowing from New Latin catharticus, from Ancient Greek καθαρτικός (kathartikós).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/cathartic