apocatharsis
|a-po-ca-thar-sis|
🇺🇸
/ˌæpəˈkæθərsɪs/
🇬🇧
/ˌæpəˈkæθəsɪs/
purging away (cleansing)
Etymology
'apocatharsis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'apokatharsis', where 'apo-' meant 'away' and 'katharsis' meant 'cleansing'.
'apocatharsis' changed from the Greek word 'apokatharsis' into Late Latin 'apocatharsis' and eventually appeared in English in specialized theological and medical contexts.
Initially, it meant 'a removing or purging away', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'ritual or psychological purification'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a cleansing or purging, especially a ritual, psychological, or moral purification by removing impurities or corrupting elements.
The ceremony functioned as an apocatharsis for the village, washing away guilt and resentment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/19 02:16