Sublimate: meaning, definitions and examples

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sublimate

 

[ หˆsสŒblษชmeษชt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

psychological process

To sublimate means to channel or transform instinctual impulses, typically of a sexual nature, into socially acceptable actions or behaviors. This psychological concept is often associated with Freudian theory, where individuals convert undesirable impulses into constructive activities. Sublimation is regarded as a defense mechanism that helps individuals manage their basic instincts in a socially acceptable way.

Synonyms

channel, redirect, transform.

Examples of usage

  • He sublimated his aggressive impulses into competitive sports.
  • The artist sublimated her feelings of frustration through her paintings.
  • Many people sublimate their anxieties by focusing on work.
Context #2 | Verb

physical process

In a scientific context, to sublimate describes the phase transition of a substance from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase. This process occurs when the molecules of a solid gain enough energy to break free from their fixed position in the solid structure and enter the gaseous state. Sublimation is commonly observed in substances like dry ice and iodine.

Synonyms

evaporate, vaporize.

Examples of usage

  • Dry ice will sublimate at room temperature.
  • Sublimation is a technique used in freeze-drying.
  • Iodine crystals will sublimate when heated.

Translations

Translations of the word "sublimate" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sublimar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคชเคธเคพเคฎเคพเคจ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช sublimieren

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sublimasi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ััƒะฑะปั–ะผะฐั†ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sublimowaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ˜‡่ฏใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sublimer

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sublimar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sublime etmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Šนํ™”ํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุณุงู…ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sublimovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sublimovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‡ๅŽ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sublimirati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sublรญmera

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ััƒะฑะปะธะผะฐั†ะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒฃแƒ‘แƒšแƒ˜แƒ›แƒแƒชแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sublimasiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sublimar

Etymology

The term 'sublimate' originates from the Latin word 'sublimare,' which means 'to elevate' or 'to lift up.' The prefix 'sub-' means 'under' or 'below,' while 'limatus' means 'to be limited' or 'boundary.' First used in a scientific context in the late 16th century, it was later incorporated into psychological discourse in the early 20th century through the work of Sigmund Freud. Freud's theory on sublimation suggested that redirecting unconscious drives into socially valued activities forms a crucial part of human development. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass both psychological and physical processes, reflecting its dual nature in contemporary usage.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,367, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.