Another Word For Sublimation

Meaning

Sublimation refers to a process in both psychology and science. In psychology, it describes a defense mechanism where negative or socially unacceptable impulses are transformed into positive, socially acceptable activities. For instance, channeling aggressive feelings into sports or art. In a scientific context, sublimation is the transition of a substance from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase, like dry ice turning into carbon dioxide gas.

Synonyms

• Elevation
• Refinement
• Transformation
• Channeling
• Sublimating (as a verb)

Antonyms

• Conduction (in scientific context)
• Degradation
• Suppression
• Deterioration

Etymology

The word "sublimation" comes from the Latin root "sublimare," which means "to elevate" or "to raise." The prefix "sub-" means "under" and "limen" means "threshold," creating the idea of elevating something beyond its original state.

Examples

1. In psychology class, we learned how sublimation can help individuals cope with anger by redirecting it into creative outlets.
2. The scientist explained that sublimation occurs when ice disappears into vapor without melting, as seen with dry ice.
3. Many artists engage in sublimation, turning their painful experiences into beautiful works of art.