1. the process by which a solid changes directly into a gas without first becoming a liquid
Usage: chemistry; physics
2. the channeling of unacceptable impulses or emotions into socially acceptable activities
Usage: psychology
3. the elevation of something to a higher or more refined state
Usage: formal

Examples

• Dry ice undergoes sublimation, changing directly from solid to gas.
• The sublimation of water ice creates frost patterns on windows.
• His aggressive tendencies found sublimation through competitive sports.
• Art became her sublimation for dealing with difficult emotions.
• The poet wrote about the sublimation of earthly love into spiritual devotion.
• Through meditation, she achieved a sublimation of her worldly concerns.
• The sublimation process requires specific temperature and pressure conditions.