cathar-, cathart-, cathars-

Filthy, unclean; uncleanliness, filth, foulness.

From Ecclesastical history, a member of any of various sects aiming at purity.

1. From Greek katharos, "pure"; katharirien, katharsis; "to purge" and then Latin catharticus.
2. In medicine, purgation, especially for the digestive system.
3. A purifying release of the emotions or of tension, especially through art or drama.
4. In psychoanalysis, a technique used to relieve tension and anxiety by bringing repressed material to consciousness.

1. From Greek, katharsis, through Late Latin catharticus; inducing catharsis; that is, purgative or cleansing.
2. A cathartic agent, especially a laxative.

To be cathartic or purifying.

Said to be a connection to Greek katharos, "pure"; to be pure.