sublimate

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sub·li·mate • v. / ˈsəbləˌmāt/ 1. [tr.] (esp. in psychoanalytic theory) divert or modify (an instinctual impulse) into a culturally higher or socially more acceptable activity: people who will sublimate sexuality into activities which help to build up and preserve civilization | he sublimates his hurt and anger into humor.2. Chem. [intr.] another term for sublime.• n. / -ˌmit; -ˌmāt/ Chem. a solid deposit of a substance that has sublimed.DERIVATIVES: sub·li·ma·tion / ˌsəbləˈmāshən/ n.

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