Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Psychology): The process of modifying the natural expression of an impulse or instinct (especially a sexual one) to one that is socially acceptable. It is a defense mechanism where unacceptable urges are transformed into socially valued activities.
   • (Chemistry): A phase transition where a substance changes directly from the solid state to the gaseous state without passing through an intermediate liquid phase.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Psychology):

  • His dedication to painting was a sublimation of his turbulent emotions.
  • Freud argued that artistic creation often involves the sublimation of primal drives.

• Noun (Chemistry):

  • The sublimation of dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is a common demonstration in science classes.
  • Iodine crystals undergo sublimation at room temperature, producing a violet vapor.

Advanced Usage

• "To sublimate" (Verb): The act of undergoing sublimation.

  • In psychology, one can sublimate aggressive impulses into competitive sports.
  • Certain compounds, like camphor, readily sublimate when heated.

• "Sublimatory" (Adjective, rare): Pertaining to or involving sublimation.

  • The artist's work had a sublimatory quality, channeling personal grief into universal beauty.

Variants and Related Words

• Sublimate (verb/noun): As a verb, to undergo sublimation. As a noun (in chemistry), the solid product obtained by sublimation.
  • The chemist collected the pure sublimate on the cold surface.
• Sublimative (adjective): Relating to or causing sublimation.

Synonyms

• Psychology: Channeling, redirection, transformation.
• Chemistry: Phase transition, vaporization (specifically from solid to gas).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A sublimation of energy": A phrase describing the redirection of energy from a base impulse into a higher pursuit.
  • His relentless research was a sublimation of energy from a personal loss.
• "Undergo sublimation": A standard phrase used in scientific contexts.
  • The frozen substance will undergo sublimation under reduced pressure.

Noun

1. (psychology) modifying the natural expression of an impulse or instinct (especially a sexual one) to one that is socially acceptable
2. (chemistry) a change directly from the solid to the gaseous state without becoming liquid