verb
sublimate
To transform into a purer or more elevated form.
She sublimates her anger into paintings that inspire social change.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to raise or elevate. The figurative transformation sense lifts material or impulses into a supposedly higher or purer form.
More examples
- The poet sublimates private grief into art.
- He sublimated his aggressive impulses through competitive sports.
- Their shared purpose sublimates personal ambition into service to others.
Forms
sublimate · sublimates · sublimated · sublimating
sublimation noun — Transformation into a purer or higher form.