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catarsis

catharsis

noun kah-TAHR-sees Rare

Origin: From Greek katharsis (cleansing, purging), via Latin catharsis.

Usage Note

Catarsis is an invariable noun — its plural is also catarsis (no -es ending), following the pattern of words ending in a stressed -s. It is used in psychology for emotional release and in literary criticism following Aristotle's concept. In everyday speech it describes any liberating emotional release.

Examples

"Llorar fue una catarsis necesaria para ella."

Natural Translation

Crying was a necessary catharsis for her.

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