apocathartic
|ap-o-cath-ar-tic|
🇺🇸
/ˌæpə.kəˈθɑr.tɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌæpə.kəˈθɑː.tɪk/
thorough cleansing (away + cleanse)
Etymology
'apocathartic' originates from Greek, specifically from the elements 'apo-' and 'kathartikos' (from 'kathairein'), where 'apo-' meant 'away' and 'kathairein' meant 'to cleanse'.
'apocathartic' was formed in English from Greek roots (via New Latin-style formation of compound adjectives) combining 'apo-' + 'kathartikos' and entered Modern English usage as a learned compound meaning 'away-cleansing' or 'thoroughly cleansing'.
Initially it meant 'relating to purging or cleansing (literally removing away)', and over time it has retained that primary sense while also gaining figurative use meaning 'emotionally or spiritually cleansing'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
causing thorough physical purging or cleansing (often medically, as a strong laxative or purgative).
The physician described the compound as apocathartic, useful for rapidly clearing the digestive tract.
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Adjective 2
producing an emotional or spiritual cleansing or release (metaphorical use).
The confrontation in the novel served an apocathartic purpose, leaving the protagonist emotionally cleansed.
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Last updated: 2025/09/19 02:30