sublimar

Sublimar is a Spanish verb in the infinitive meaning to sublimate. The term is used in both scientific and figurative contexts, referring to a transformation that elevates or redirects something to a higher or more refined form.

In science, especially chemistry and physics, sublimar describes the process by which a solid changes directly into a gas without passing through a liquid. For example, certain substances sublimate when heated, bypassing the liquid state. In everyday usage, the verb can be used to describe this physical process or to state that a substance sublimates under specific conditions, as in “El yodo se sublima al calentarse.”

In psychology and cultural discourse, sublimar denotes channeling or redirecting impulses—often of a base or unacceptable nature—into constructive, socially valued activities. The related noun sublimación refers to this defense mechanism or to the broader act of transformation. For instance, a writer or artist may sublimar frustrations into creative work.

As a broader metaphor, sublimar can indicate the act of elevating a quality, emotion, or idea to a higher level of expression or form. The past participle sublimado and the noun sublimación are common related forms used to describe completed transformations or the process itself, respectively.

See also sublimación and sublimation, which address the term in scientific and psychological contexts across languages.