abreaction

[ ab-ree-ak-shuhn ]

noun

, Psychoanalysis.

1. release of emotional tension achieved through recalling a repressed traumatic experience.

abreaction

/ ˌæbrɪˈækʃən /

noun

1. psychoanal the release and expression of emotional tension associated with repressed ideas by bringing those ideas into consciousness

Other Words From

• ab·re·ac·tive [ab-ree-, ak, -tiv], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abreaction¹

1910–15; ab- + reaction, on the model of German Abreagierung

Example Sentences

He went on to argue, almost uncannily, that our "gigantic abreaction" was likely to give them a major victory.

From Salon

Back in 1979, "The Wall" was a rock star's abreaction to success, but Mr. Waters was also worrying about how media overload can distract and neutralize potential protest.

From New York Times