noun
catharsis
kuh-THAR-sis/kəˈθɑːrsɪs/
A release of strong emotions that brings relief.
Her tears bring catharsis, followed by a visibly relieved smile.
Etymology
Greek katharsis meant purging or cleansing, and the English word initially referred to bodily purging. Its emotional sense transfers that cleansing image to an experience that releases feelings and brings relief.
In context
emotional catharsis which again is what movies do folks sorry your emotional breakthrough while watching toy story was designed for you all of your tears have andy stamped on them
More examples
- The final scene offered the audience a powerful catharsis.
- She found catharsis through writing about the loss.
- Their honest conversation ended in tears and catharsis.
Forms
catharsis
cathartic adjective — bringing emotional release