Detox: meaning, definitions and examples
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detox
[ˈdiːtɒks ]
Definitions
health
A process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances; detoxification.
Synonyms
cleanse, detoxification, purification.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| detox |
Used commonly in casual settings to refer to the process of removing toxins from the body, typically through dietary changes or specific programs. Often mentioned in wellness and fitness conversations.
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| detoxification |
Usually used in medical or formal contexts to describe the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism. Common in discussions about drug and alcohol treatment.
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| cleanse |
Frequently used in the context of specific diets or routines aimed at cleaning the digestive system, often involving juices, fasting, or specialized diets. Can also refer to skin care or other health-related activities.
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| purification |
More broadly applicable and used in contexts that aren't limited to the body. Can refer to cleaning or purifying air, water, or other substances. Often used in scientific, environmental, and spiritual discussions.
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Examples of usage
- She went on a detox to cleanse her body of impurities.
- Many people choose to do a detox at the beginning of the year for a fresh start.
recovery
A treatment or facility that specializes in helping individuals recover from substance abuse or addiction.
Synonyms
detox facility, recovery center, rehabilitation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| detox |
This is usually used to describe the process of removing toxic substances from the body, often referring to a short-term treatment for substance abuse.
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Examples of usage
- He checked into a detox center to get help with his alcohol addiction.
- The detox program offers counseling and medical support for those going through withdrawal.
cleanse
To rid the body of toxic or unhealthy substances.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| detox |
Commonly used in health and wellness to describe a period or process of abstaining from unhealthy substances or practices to rid the body of toxins.
|
| cleanse |
Often used in the context of health and skincare, referring to a routine or product aimed at cleaning the body or skin thoroughly.
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| purify |
Can be used in multiple contexts including health, spirituality, or environmental science to mean removing impurities or toxins from a substance or the body.
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| flush out |
This phrase usually refers to removing substances or toxins from the body by drinking a lot of fluids or taking medication.
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Examples of usage
- She decided to detox her body by cutting out processed foods and sugar.
- Many people believe in detoxing their bodies regularly to maintain good health.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word originates from the combining of 'de-' meaning 'removal' and 'toxic' from Latin 'toxicum', which means 'poison'.
- First recorded use in the 1970s, primarily as a shorthand term for 'detoxification' in health and medicine.
Health and Nutrition
- Detox diets claim to rid the body of toxins, but many experts emphasize that our liver and kidneys do this naturally.
- Common detox methods include juice fasting, elimination diets, and herbal supplements, with varying degrees of scientific support.
- The concept of detoxing has gained popularity in wellness circles, with some strategies both praised for potential benefits and criticized for lack of evidence.
Pop Culture
- The term 'detox' has found its way into music and literature, with songs and books emphasizing personal renewal.
- Television shows and celebrities often promote detox programs, influencing public interest in cleanses and lifestyle changes.
Psychology
- The idea of detox can extend beyond physical health, often encompassing mental and emotional well-being as a way to reset one's life.
- Practices like digital detoxing, where individuals take breaks from technology, have emerged as a response to stress and information overload.
Alternative Medicine
- Many alternative medicine practitioners advocate for detox methods alongside traditional medicine, sparking debates about integrative care.
- Herbal detox teas and supplements are popular in holistic circles, although their safety and efficacy can be contested.
Translations
Translations of the word "detox" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desintoxicação
🇮🇳 डिटॉक्स
🇩🇪 Entgiftung
🇮🇩 detoksifikasi
🇺🇦 детоксикація
🇵🇱 detoksykacja
🇯🇵 デトックス
🇫🇷 désintoxication
🇪🇸 desintoxicación
🇹🇷 detoksifikasyon
🇰🇷 디톡스
🇸🇦 إزالة السموم
🇨🇿 detoxikace
🇸🇰 detoxikácia
🇨🇳 排毒 (páidú)
🇸🇮 razstrupljanje
🇮🇸 afeitrun
🇰🇿 детоксикация
🇬🇪 დეტოქსი
🇦🇿 detoksikasiya
🇲🇽 desintoxicación