catharsis

It does not touch the ‘catharsis’ of tragedy, which is another matter.

Evacuations by venesection and catharsis, and then by the exhibition of opium.

There are certainly times when catharsis is necessary but "one thing is certain, the day for routine purgation is past."

He however refers only to the catharsis upon the spectator, but not to that of the author's work upon himself.

He had no sympathy with the poetry that had a social message and he did not understand its effect as a catharsis.