adjective / noun
cathartic
kuh-THAR-tik/kəˈθɑːrtɪk/
Producing a purging release.
After crying, he finds the release cathartic and his shoulders relax.
Etymology
Greek kathartikos meant fit for cleansing, and cathartic first described purgative medicines in English. Through the emotional sense of catharsis, something cathartic offers relief by releasing feelings, figuratively cleansing rather than physically purging.
In context
there's something very cathartic about sharing your art and having people appreciate it and um it's a great stress relever
More examples
- Writing about the loss proves cathartic for her.
- The old prescription includes a cathartic to empty the bowels.
- The discussion gives the group a cathartic release.
Forms
cathartic · cathartics
Similar words
- purging
- Emphasizes clearing something out, physically or figuratively.
- therapeutic
- Promotes healing more broadly than through release alone.