CultureAugust 28, 2026

catharsis

kuh-THAR-sis

Definition

The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word katharsis, meaning 'cleansing' or 'purification,' the term was originally used by Aristotle in his Poetics to describe the emotional relief an audience experiences through drama.

In the news

In the article, actor Anshuman Jha describes the song featuring Asha Bhosle's voice as representing the 'catharsis' of the film, signifying an emotional breakthrough regarding his relationship with his father.

Asha Bhosle's final film song set for release on her birth anniversary

Read the full article ↗

The Daily Star

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.