Definitions for cathartic
kəˈθɑr tɪkcathar·tic

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:3.0 / 2 votes

1. purgative, cathartic, physic, aperientadjective

   a purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels

2. cathartic, psychotherapeuticadjective

   emotionally purging

3. cathartic, releasingadjective

   emotionally purging (of e.g. art)

4. cathartic, evacuant, purgativeadjective

   strongly laxative

WiktionaryRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

1. catharticnoun

   A laxative

2. catharticadjective

   purgative; inducing catharsis

3. catharticadjective

   That releases emotional tension, especially after an overwhelming experience

4. Etymology: From κάθαρσις

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Cathartic

   In medicine, a cathartic is a substance that accelerates defecation. This is similar to a laxative, which is a substance that eases defecation, usually by softening feces. It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathartic. However, agents such as psyllium seed husks increase the bulk of the feces.Cathartics such as sorbitol, magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, or sodium sulfate were previously used as a form of gastrointestinal decontamination following poisoning via ingestion. They are no longer routinely recommended for poisonings. High-dose cathartics may be an effective means of ridding the lower gastrointestinal tract of toxins; however, they carry a risk of electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Catharsis can be an effect of pesticide poisonings, such as with elemental sulfur.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Catharticadjective

   alt. of Catharical

2. Catharticnoun

   a medicine that promotes alvine discharges; a purge; a purgative of moderate activity

3. Etymology: [Gr. .]

FreebaseRate this definition:2.7 / 3 votes

1. Cathartic

   In medicine, a cathartic is a substance that accelerates defecation. This is in contrast to a laxative, which is a substance which eases defecation, usually by softening feces. It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathartic. However, agents such as psyllium seed husks increase the bulk of the feces. Cathartics such as sorbitol, magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, or sodium sulfate were previously used as a form of gastrointestinal decontamination following poisoning via ingestion. They are no longer routinely recommended for poisonings. High-dose cathartics may be an effective means of ridding the lower gastrointestinal tract of toxins; however, they carry a risk of electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. During the 1918 flu pandemic, cathartics were used in the Fort Lewis, WA, area. An original report by Elizabeth J. Davies, a public health nurse, mentions cathartics, pneumonia jackets and copious amount of drinks as treatments for influenza patients. Blood is a cathartic. Gastrointestinal bleeding will cause diarrhea.

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Cathartic

   -al, kath-ärt′ik, -al, adj. having the power of cleansing the stomach and bowels: purgative.—v.t. Cath′arise, to render absolutely clean.—ns. Cathar′sis, evacuation of the bowels; Cathart′ic, a purgative medicine; Cathar′tin, the purgative principle of senna. [Gr. kathartikos, fit for cleansing, katharos, clean.]

Matched Categories

1. • Art

How to pronounce cathartic?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say cathartic in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of cathartic in Chaldean Numerology is: 6

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of cathartic in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of cathartic in a Sentence

1. Rooma Mehra:

   All great creativity is cathartic.. hence original...

2. Kerri Kasem:

   The media only focuses on a celebrity's last name, but there are many people out there who ca n’t see their loved ones because they’re being taken advantage of. There needs to be consequences … This podcast was so cathartic, not only for me but for my family, friends and co-workers who participated. They loved my dad and wanted the truth out there as much as I do … This is a horrifying story, but it’s also going to wake people up.

3. Jake Gyllenhaal:

   It was incredibly cathartic. You feel like a kid.

4. Harvey Rickles:

   We felt that it provided a lot of relief. It gave us an opportunity to see her and have contact with her and share our thoughts with her, it was cathartic.

5. Shannen Doherty:

   Putting it out there must be cathartic for her, it's her way of dealing with it, maybe that's her form of therapy.

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