Cathartic vs. Relaxing — What's the Difference?

In medicine, a cathartic is a substance that accelerates defecation. This is similar to a laxative, which is a substance that eases defecation, usually by softening feces.

To make lax or loose

Inducing catharsis; purgative.

To make less severe or strict

An agent for purging the bowels, especially a laxative.

To reduce in intensity; slacken

Purgative; inducing mental or physical catharsis.

To relieve from tension or strain

That which releases emotional tension, especially after an overwhelming experience.

To take one's ease; rest.

(medicine) A laxative.

To become lax or loose.

Cleansing the bowels; promoting evacuations by stool; purgative.

To become less severe or strict.

Of or pertaining to the purgative principle of senna, as cathartic acid.

To become less restrained or tense.

A medicine that promotes alvine discharges; a purge; a purgative of moderate activity.

Conducive to relaxation; helping one to relax.

A purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels

Present participle of relax

Emotionally purging

The process by which something is relaxed.

Emotionally purging (of e.g. art)

Affording or marked by rest or repose;

Strongly laxative