What does sublimation mean?
Sublimation most precisely names the physical process in which a solid changes directly into a gas without becoming liquid. Familiar examples include dry ice, which produces fog as carbon dioxide sublimates, and certain compounds that vaporize directly from a solid state. The word also has an important figurative and psychological sense: the redirection of intense but potentially unacceptable impulses into activities that are socially valued, such as creativity, work, or study. More broadly, sublimation can suggest transformation, refinement, or elevation. Its unusual technical meaning gives the word a memorable place in both science and discussion of human motivation. In ordinary conversation, however, it is less common than terms such as transformation or vaporization, and it is usually used when the idea of a direct or purposeful change is especially relevant.
nounThe process in which a substance changes directly from a solid into a gas without passing through a liquid state. In psychology and general usage, sublimation also refers to the transformation of intense impulses into socially valued or acceptable activities.
- The direct conversion of a solid into a gas without first becoming liquid.
- The psychological process of redirecting powerful impulses into socially acceptable or valued activities.
- A broader figurative sense involving elevation, refinement, or transformation into a more idealized form.
"The sublimation of dry ice produces a visible cloud of carbon dioxide gas."
"Iodine can undergo sublimation, passing from a solid directly into a violet vapour."
"Her artistic talent provided a constructive sublimation for what might otherwise have become anger."
Plural forms are used for separate instances of the process or for multiple transformations described by the word.
"The study examined the sublimations of several compounds under controlled pressure."
Dry ice skips the liquid stage entirely: solid carbon dioxide turns straight into gas in a process called sublimation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sublimation come from?
Sublimation comes from Latin sublimatio, a noun formed from sublimare, meaning to raise or elevate. The verb drew on the image of raising something to a higher level or transforming it into a purer state, a meaning later connected with alchemy and chemistry. In English, the chemical sense developed for a solid-to-gas change, while the figurative psychological sense came from the idea of transforming or redirecting impulses.
Related word forms
How sublimation is actually used
In chemistry, the term is precise and describes a solid-to-gas phase change. In psychology and figurative use, it is more specialized and often implies the transformation of an impulse or feeling into a culturally valued activity.
Easily confused with sublimation
Sublimation is a transformation or phase change, whereas subliminal means existing or operating below the threshold of conscious awareness.