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abreaction

noun
ab·​re·​ac·​tion | \ ˌa-brē-ˈak-shən How to pronounce abreaction (audio) \

Definition of abreaction

: the expression and emotional discharge of unconscious material (such as a repressed idea or emotion) by verbalization especially in the presence of a therapist

Other Words from abreaction

abreact \ -​ˈakt How to pronounce abreact (audio) \ verb

First Known Use of abreaction

1912, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for abreaction

partial translation of German Abreagieren, noun use of abreagieren "to release or express (an emotion previously repressed or forgotten)," from ab "down, from" (going back to Old High German aba) + reagieren "to react," borrowed from French réagir, borrowed (with adaptation to agir "to act, take effect") from New Latin reagere — more at of entry 1, react

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More Definitions for abreaction

abreaction

noun
ab·​re·​ac·​tion | \ ˌab-rē-ˈak-shən How to pronounce abreaction (audio) \

Medical Definition of abreaction

: the expression and emotional discharge of unconscious material (as a repressed idea or emotion) by verbalization especially in the presence of a therapist — compare catharsis sense 2

Other Words from abreaction

abreact \ -​ˈakt How to pronounce abreact (audio) \ verb

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