Sublimation: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in psychology to describe the process of channeling unwanted or unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities. Also used in science to describe the phase transition of a substance from solid to gas.

• He turned his anger into a positive outlet through the sublimation of taking up boxing.
• Dry ice undergoes sublimation at room temperature.

Used to describe the process of significant change in form, appearance, or character. Commonly applied in various contexts such as personal development, business, or science.

• The transformation of the old factory into a modern art gallery attracted many visitors.
• Her personal transformation after the retreat was truly remarkable.

Used to describe the process of changing something from one form or function to another. It can apply to various fields including energy, religion, or data.

• The conversion of wind energy into electricity is environmentally friendly.
• His conversion to a new religion surprised many of his friends.

Used mainly in psychology to describe the act of suppressing or holding back undesirable thoughts, feelings, or memories. It carries a negative connotation as it implies unhealthy avoidance.

• Repression of traumatic memories can lead to psychological issues later in life.
• His repression of anger caused him to appear very calm, but it was eating him up inside.

Used mainly in scientific contexts to describe the process where a solid turns directly into a gas without becoming a liquid.

• Dry ice undergoes sublimation at room temperature.
• In the lab, they observed the sublimation of iodine crystals.

A general term used to describe the transition from liquid to gas, commonly used in scientific and technical contexts.

• The vaporization of water in the boiler generated steam for the turbines.
• They studied the vaporization process of different liquids at various temperatures.

Refers to the process where liquid turns into gas, usually happening on the surface of the liquid. Commonly used in everyday situations and scientific contexts.

• Water evaporation from the lake cooled the surrounding air.
• The cook waited for the sauce to thicken through evaporation.

Typically used in scientific and technical language to describe the process where a substance becomes a gas, often implying it can easily vaporize at normal temperatures.

• The volatilization of ammonia at room temperature is quite rapid.
• They monitored the volatilization rates of different chemical compounds.