CultureAugust 10, 2026

cathartic

kuh-THAR-tik

Definition

Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong or repressed emotions.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'kathartikos,' meaning 'purging' or 'cleansing,' which was historically linked to medical and ritual purification. It entered English in the 17th century to describe both physical purgation and emotional release.

In the news

The word describes the emotional release experienced by readers when engaging with the profound or tragic themes in the author's literature. It highlights why his work remains impactful over a century later.

This Scottish literary giant's influence endures 125 years on

Read the full article ↗

The National Scot

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