from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sublimate \Sub"li*mate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Sublimated}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Sublimating}.] [L. sublimatus, p. p. of
sublimare to raise, elevate, fr. sublimis high: cf. F.
sublimer. See {Sublime}, a., and cf. {Surlime}, v. t.]
1. To bring by heat into the state of vapor, which, on
cooling, returns again to the solid state; as, to
sublimate sulphur or camphor.
[1913 Webster]
2. To refine and exalt; to heighten; to elevate.
[1913 Webster]
The precepts of Christianity are . . . so apt to
cleanse and sublimate the more gross and corrupt.
--Dr. H. More.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Psychology) To redirect the energy (of sexual or other
biological drives) into a more socially acceptable or
constructive form.
[PJC]