cathartic
Americanadjective
-
purgative
-
effecting catharsis
noun
Other Word 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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Maus II: And Here My Troubles Began" by Art Spiegelman
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Poet X
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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 medicine should not be administered the first, the third, or any other day after confinement, unless it is needed.
From The Physical Life of Woman: Advice to the Maiden, Wife and Mother by Napheys, George H. (George Henry)
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.
