sublimate
Meaning: To channel instinctive impulses or emotions, especially socially unacceptable ones, into a more constructive or elevated activity. In chemistry, to convert directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid state.
The psychological sense, popularised by Freud, is now the more common usage in general English. It implies a transformative process — redirecting raw energy or difficult emotions into productive outlets such as art, sport, or intellectual pursuit. The word carries connotations of refinement and elevation, distinguishing it from mere suppression or repression.
Examples
- He sublimated his grief into a remarkable body of poetry written in the months after her death. 他将悲痛升华为一系列卓越的诗作,在她去世后的数月间写就。Sublimó su dolor en un notable corpus poético escrito en los meses posteriores a la muerte de ella.彼は悲しみを昇華させ、彼女の死後数か月のうちに優れた詩集を書き上げた。그는 슬픔을 승화시켜 그녀가 세상을 떠난 후 몇 달 만에 뛰어난 시집을 써냈다.
- The therapist suggested she might sublimate her anger through vigorous physical exercise. 治疗师建议她可以通过剧烈的体育锻炼来升华自己的愤怒。La terapeuta le sugirió que podría sublimar su ira mediante ejercicio físico intenso.セラピストは、激しい運動を通じて怒りを昇華させるよう提案した。치료사는 격렬한 운동을 통해 분노를 승화시켜 보라고 제안했다.
- Great artists have often sublimated personal turmoil into works of enduring beauty. 伟大的艺术家往往将个人的内心波澜升华为经久不衰的美丽作品。Los grandes artistas han sublimado con frecuencia sus turbulencias personales en obras de belleza perdurable.偉大な芸術家たちはしばしば個人的な苦悩を永遠の美を持つ作品へと昇華させてきた。위대한 예술가들은 종종 개인적 고뇌를 영원한 아름다움을 지닌 작품으로 승화시켜 왔다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, psychology, literary
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin sublimare meaning to raise or elevate. The chemical sense came first in the 16th century; the psychological meaning was introduced by Freud in the early 20th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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