abreact (C2)
verb
Pronunciation: /ˌæbriˈækt/
Definition
To release repressed emotions or memories by reliving the original experience through speech or action.
Examples
The patient began to abreact the painful memories of his childhood during the guided session.
Psychologists often encourage individuals to abreact in a controlled environment to process deep-seated grief.
She found it difficult to abreact, even when she knew it was necessary for her emotional recovery.
How to Use abreact
- abreact [something] (collocation)
- to release a specific memory or emotion — "He needed to abreact the trauma of the accident."
- abreact during [event] (prepositional phrase)
- to perform the release during a specific therapeutic activity — "She started to abreact during the group therapy session."
Synonyms of abreact
Words with a similar meaning to abreact:
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