ca·thar·sis
[kuh-thahr-sis]
–noun, plural -ses
1.the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, as tragedy or music.
2.Medicine/Medical . purgation.
3.Psychiatry .
a.psychotherapy that encourages or permits the discharge of pent-up, socially unacceptable affects.
b.discharge of pent-up emotions so as to result in the alleviation of symptoms or the permanent relief of the condition.