1. changing directly from a solid to a gas without becoming liquid
Usage: chemistry; physics
2. redirecting unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities
Usage: psychology

Examples

• The dry ice was sublimating rapidly in the warm air.
• Snow sublimates in cold, dry conditions without melting first.
• The scientist observed the solid iodine sublimating into purple vapor.
• He was sublimating his anger by channeling it into intense exercise.
• The artist found herself sublimating her grief through her paintings.
• Sublimating negative emotions into creative work can be therapeutic.