abreaction

[ab-ree-ak-shuh n] /ˌæb riˈæk ʃən/
noun, Psychoanalysis
1.
release of emotional tension achieved through recalling a repressed traumatic experience.
Origin
1910-15; ab- + reaction, on the model of German Abreagierung
Related forms
abreactive
[ab-ree-ak-tiv] /ˌæb riˈæk tɪv/ (Show IPA),
adjective
Examples from the web for abreaction
  • Discusses the use of hypnosis to facilitate uncovering and abreaction in the treatment of trauma survivors.
British Dictionary definitions for abreaction

abreaction

/ˌæbrɪˈækʃən/
noun
1.
(psychoanal) the release and expression of emotional tension associated with repressed ideas by bringing those ideas into consciousness