cathartic
Americanadjective
-
purgative
-
effecting catharsis
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of cathartic
First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin catharticus, from Greek kathartikós “fit for cleansing”; see catharsis, -tic
Explanation
A movie, play, or song that makes you cry is called cathartic. Most good writers try to create work that causes you to experience a strong rush of emotion. If you've been feeling like you need a good cry, you should watch a cathartic movie like Bambi — or any film that's sure to make you weep. Things that are cathartic don't always call up tears. Things that make you scream, like a roller-coaster ride or a boxing match, are also cathartic. Whatever causes you to release a sudden flood of feelings is cathartic. Some therapies ask you to hit a pillow or break dishes, because those can be cathartic activities.
Vocabulary lists containing cathartic
Good Riddance
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"Maus II: And Here My Troubles Began" by Art Spiegelman
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The Poet X
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cathartic, but also emblematic of a simple story done well, and a reminder that fairy tales are not just hopeful yarns of a happily ever after.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 29, 2025
Cathartic too, if you give yourself over to its deeply felt story.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2024
Cathartic and introspective revelations like these leave the door wide open for others to share in kind.
From Slate • Aug. 29, 2018
Cathartic, maybe — but, ultimately, not very constructive, Newman decided.
From Washington Post • Jul. 19, 2017
Cathartic and diuretic; one to one and a half pounds.
From Cattle and Their Diseases Embracing Their History and Breeds, Crossing and Breeding, And Feeding and Management; With the Diseases to which They are Subject, And The Remedies Best Adapted to their Cure by Jennings, Robert
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
