verb (used with object), sub·li·mat·ed, sub·li·mat·ing.
- Psychology. to divert the energy of (a sexual or other biological impulse) from its immediate goal to one of a more acceptable social, moral, or aesthetic nature or use.
- Chemistry.
- to sublime (a solid substance); extract by this process.
- to refine or purify (a substance).
- to make nobler or purer: To read about great men sublimates ambition.
verb (used without object), sub·li·mat·ed, sub·li·mat·ing.
- to become sublimated; undergo sublimation.
noun
- Chemistry. the crystals, deposit, or material obtained when a substance is sublimated.
adjective
- purified or exalted; sublimated.
verb
- psychol to direct the energy of (a primitive impulse, esp a sexual one) into activities that are considered to be socially more acceptable
- (tr) to make purer; refine
noun
- chem the material obtained when a substance is sublimed
adjective
- exalted or purified
1560s, from Latin sublimatus, past participle of sublimare (see sublimation). Related: Sublimated; sublimating.
v.
- To transform directly from the solid to the gaseous state or from the gaseous to the solid state without becoming a liquid.
- To modify the natural expression of an instinctual impulse, especially a sexual one, in a socially acceptable manner.