1. The process of converting a solid into a gas without passing through a liquid state; analogous to distillation. 2. In psychoanalysis, an unconscious defense mechanism in which unacceptable instinctual drives and wishes are modified into more personally and socially acceptable channels.
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sub·li·ma·tion .səb-lə-'mā-shən n
1) the act, process, or an instance of subliming a chemical
2) the process of converting and expressing a primitive instinctual desire or impulse to a form that is socially or culturally acceptable
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n.
the replacement of socially undesirable means of gratifying motives or desires by means that are socially acceptable. See also defence mechanism, repression.
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sub·li·ma·tion (sub″lĭ-maґshən) 1. the direct change of state from solid to vapor. 2. a type of defense mechanism in which consciously unacceptable instinctual drives are diverted into personally and socially acceptable channels.Medical dictionary. 2011.