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Cathartic

kəˈθɑːrtɪk

adjective

providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions

The word 'cathartic' originates from the Greek word 'kathartikos', which means 'cleansing'. It is often used to describe something that brings a sense of emotional release or purification.

See how T. E. Lawrence uses "cathartic", with its meaning, pronunciation and a real book example.

Examples from books

Pain was to them a solvent, a cathartic, almost a decoration, to be fairly worn while they survived it.

T. E. Lawrence

Seven Pillars of Wisdom