sublimate

Redirect base impulses

Sublimate has meanings rooted in transformation and elevation.

In chemistry, to sublimate is for a solid to become gas without passing through a liquid state—dry ice sublimates into carbon dioxide vapor.

In psychology, to sublimate is to redirect unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable channels: He sublimated his aggression into competitive sports.

More broadly, sublimate means to refine or elevate something base into something higher: She sublimated her grief into art.

chemistry

phase transition

Matter shifting between states

vaporizationConversion to gas
solidFirm matter state
gasFormless, expanding substance

deposition · dry ice · enthalpy · endothermic · triple point · thermodynamics · volatilize · desublimation · pressure · temperature

psychology

defense mechanism

Unconscious self-protective mental process

repressionUnconscious blocking of thoughts
channelingDirecting flow or energy
displacementRemoval from usual location

redirection · unconscious · Freudian · psychoanalysis · impulse · drive · libido · transformation · creative outlet · instinct

transform

transmute

Change in fundamental nature

convertChange in form or faith
elevateTo raise upward
refineRemove impurities from

transcend · purify · ennoble · exalt · heighten · transfigure · metamorphose · spiritualize · uplift · distill

aesthetic

transcendent

Exceeding usual boundaries

aweReverent fear and wonder
grandeurImpressive splendor and scale
majesticImpressively dignified and beautiful

ethereal · elevated · lofty · exalted · beauty · spiritual · rapture · overwhelming · infinite · Burke

sublimate

phase transition

defense mechanism

transmute

transcendent

sublimate

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