purging of emotional tensions; -- usually spelled catharsis.

( Noun) (sometimes spelled with a "c" though the philologically correct spelling is with a "k") A deep release of emotions or the transcendence or integration of an emotional state. The body goes through a complex physiological process when going through an emotional katharsis and the result is a feeling of well-being, balance, relaxation, serenity and sometimes ataraxia. This word was invented by Aristotle to describe the therapeutic benefit of going to the Theater in ancient Greece, where people were encouraged to act abberantly, wildly and hedonistically as a way to "cleanse" or purity their daemons; their spirits. Emotions were thought of as originating from the spirits that inhabit the fourth dimension on Earth.

Purification or cleansing of oneself through undergoing an overwhelming emotional experience. Originated from Aristoteles' description of tragic drama, "a katharsis of pity and terror".