Meaning & use
sublimation
The direct transformation of a substance from a solid into a gas without passing through a liquid state.
See it in a sentence
Dry ice cools drinks through sublimation, turning straight into carbon dioxide gas.
Freeze-drying relies on sublimation to remove ice from food at low pressure.
A note on using this word
In psychology, sublimation refers to a different, figurative process: channeling an unacceptable impulse into a socially acceptable activity.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A psychological process of redirecting an unacceptable impulse into a productive or acceptable activity.
He channeled his anger into boxing, a classic case of sublimation.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “sublimation”, then compare your use with the examples above.