cathartic

American  

[kuh-thahr-tik] / kəˈθɑr tɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to catharsis.

2. Also cathartical. evacuating the bowels; purgative.

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noun

1. a purgative.

   Synonyms:

   physic, laxative

cathartic British  

/ kəˈθɑːtɪk /

adjective

1. purgative

2. effecting catharsis

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noun

1. a purgative drug or agent

Other Word Forms

• cathartically adverb
• catharticalness noun
• hypercathartic adjective
• noncathartic adjective
• noncathartical adjective
• semicathartic adjective
• uncathartic adjective

Etymology

Origin of cathartic

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin catharticus, from Greek kathartikós “fit for cleansing”; catharsis, -tic

Example Sentences

Anger, judgment and/or “tough love” can feel cathartic in the moment, but that can leave people hurt and confused.

From MarketWatch

The co-stars discuss their new Prime Video psychological thriller series based on Michelle Frances’ book, why it felt cathartic to channel anger and the open-ended finale.

From Los Angeles Times

It made me think a lot about my existence as a woman and as a human being, and it really was cathartic for me.

From Los Angeles Times

Whereas on tracks like “Dime” and “Flores,” there are distinct orchestral peaks, in which subtle percussions give way to grander, more cathartic releases.

From Los Angeles Times

“This has been the hardest experience of my life so far, and expressing that openly has been cathartic,” she says.

From The Wall Street Journal