catharsis 

noun relating to cathartic. Introduced by Aristotle meaning the process of relieving strong feelings eg thru drama or other artistic activities, targeting provision of relief from anger or suffering.

Actor's or artist's state of mind may go thru catharsis while they're on the set shooting a emotionally intense movie after a break up in private life.

catharsis by Stiffmeister December 26, 2005

cathexis 

A psychoanalytical term. It's defined as the investment of emotional significance in an activity, object, or idea.

In layman terms, the focus of an obsession.

Guy A: Man, have you seen Joe? What's up with him lately?

Guy B: Being an obsessive stalker like always. This time his cathexis is the girl next door.

Guy A: That's screwed up.

cathexis by edeniz April 25, 2011

Catholic catechism

A Catholic supplement to the Bible. Despite the fact that many Catholics (and Christians for that matter) rarely read the Bible, much less the catechism, BOTH books are incredibly important to understanding the Catholic faith.

It is analogous to reading the Tanakh, the Mishna, and the Talmud - which is what studious, ambitious, pious Jews do to develop their faith and be better Jews.

Similarly, reading and understanding the Bible AND the Catechism of the Catholic Church will strengthen the faith of Catholics.

All Catholics should be knowledgeable in three things: the Bible, the Catholic Catechism, and Sacred Tradition.

These three things will take us far.

Catholic catechism by TarkanAttila22 July 16, 2010

cathexis 

The formation of a libidinal investment. The attachment of oneself to a particular external element or a particular alignment of discourse, a role, etc. through the rearticulation of psychological desires/drives which are already present.

The verb for is "to cathect".

His frustration with his father was repressed, but re-emerged through a cathexis in relation to his boss.

cathexis by Andy May 7, 2004

catechism 

a summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for religious instruction.

His principal work was Lectures on the Catechism of the Church of England (London, 1769).

catechism by Rolling Definer March 5, 2017

catharsis 

The release of pent-up or repressed energies through their attachment to a new object or situation and their resultant release. For instance, the vicarious satisfaction of a desire to commit violence due to frustration with one's boss, through something other than violence against one's boss, e.g. through watching violent films, doing karate as a hobby, fighting a rival gang, playing Doom, etc.

It's a concept taken from Freudian psychoanalysis.

It also has a peculiar meaning in Gramscian theory, where it refers to the rearticulation and reconfiguration of desires and passions into a new ideological/philosophical framework - roughly speaking, the achievement of a new, revolutionary formation of desire.

catharsis by Andy May 9, 2004

Catharsis 

Plural: Catharses
Noun:
1. The release of emotions or emotional tension to restore or refresh the spirit. Venting.
2. Medical Term - Purging, especially the digestive tract. See hurl, blow chunks

1. I got so frustrated after watching the Matrix Revolutions that as a catharsis, I decided to give a girl a good emeril.

2. See that skanky ho? She might look skinny, but really, she has her own little catharsis every night, after her midnight binge.

Catharsis by Eej November 13, 2003