宣泄 xuānxiè to drain (by leading off water)
to drain (by leading off water); to unburden oneself; to divulge; to leak a secret
How to remember 宣泄: 宣 to proclaim + 泄 drip = to drain (by leading off water).
Characters
How it is used
- To vent or let out pent-up emotion - 宣泄情绪 (xuānxiè qíngxù) to release one's feelings; 找个出口宣泄 find an outlet to let off steam.
- Core modern use is psychological release of anger, stress, or grief; the literal 'drain off water' sense is rarer.
- Contrast 发泄 (fāxiè), a near-synonym that leans more toward crudely venting anger; 宣泄 sounds a touch more measured.