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

Although President Trump is clearly an aspect of the Western world’s reaction to Islamic terrorism — or its “abreaction,” to use a psychological term Baudrillard employs in his essay — and has repeatedly vowed to stamp it out, that only underlines the fact that they are closely related phenomena.

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

Possibly complicating matters somewhat is that many in indie game circles have an instinctive abreaction to Ustwo – a design studio with 100 employees which launched their first mobile game with a psychedelic promotional video starring Super Furry Animals’ Gruff Rhys.

From Forbes

A lot of his notes last for a long time, and each one counts more than it used to; in the theme of his own “Abreaction,” playing slowly over Mr. Wilson’s fast and quiet free-rhythm drumming, he designs a different kind of sound for each note, an individual density and story.

From New York Times