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sublimate

Syllabification: (sub·li·mate)
Definition of sublimate

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈsəbləˌmāt/

  • 1 [with object] (especially in psychoanalytic theory) divert or modify (an instinctual impulse) into a culturally higher or socially more acceptable activity:people who will sublimate sexuality into activities which help to build up and preserve civilization he sublimates his hurt and anger into humor
  • 2 [no object] Chemistryanother term for sublime.

noun

Pronunciation: /-ˌmit, -ˌmāt/

Chemistry
  • a solid deposit of a substance that has sublimed.

Derivatives

sublimation

Pronunciation: /ˌsəbləˈmāSHən/

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'raise to a higher status'): from Latin sublimat- 'raised up', from the verb sublimare

sublimate in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of sublimate in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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