Definition

To express and release strong emotions that have been held back, often by acting them out or talking about them.

Example

In therapy, patients often abreact their past traumas to help process their emotions.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard it can be helpful to abreact your feelings sometimes.

Really? How does that work exactly?

Well, it’s about expressing your emotions to release them.

That makes sense! I should try that when I'm feeling overwhelmed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abreact is formed from "ab-" (meaning away) and "react" (from Latin "reagere", meaning to act in response). The word describes the process of releasing repressed emotions by acting them out, essentially acting away from the original emotional response.

Memory Tip

Think of 'acting away' ('ab-') from repressed feelings — that's what abreact means.

Visually Confused Words