Sublimation

Sublimation is a psychological defense mechanism in which a person turns an unacceptable or difficult emotion/impulse into something positive, useful, or socially acceptable.

The concept is associated with Sigmund Freud.

Simple meaning: You don’t destroy the emotion—you redirect its energy into something constructive.

Example

Someone feels a lot of anger.

Instead of fighting with people, they start:

boxing, running, writing, or exercising.

The anger is redirected into a useful activity