Detox: meaning, definitions and examples

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detox

 

[ ˈdiːtɒks ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

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.

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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.

  • I'm going on a 7-day detox to reset my system
  • After the holiday season, a short detox can really help you feel better
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.

  • The patient was admitted to the detoxification unit for alcohol abuse
  • Medical detoxification is the first step in most addiction treatment programs
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.

  • She started a juice cleanse to boost her energy levels
  • This herbal cleanse is supposed to help with digestion
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.

  • The water purification system ensures clean drinking water
  • Many cultures have spiritual purification rituals

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.
Context #2 | Noun

recovery

A treatment or facility that specializes in helping individuals recover from substance abuse or addiction.

Synonyms

detox facility, recovery center, rehabilitation.

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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.

  • He decided to go through a 7-day detox to cleanse his system

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.
Context #3 | Verb

cleanse

To rid the body of toxic or unhealthy substances.

Synonyms

cleanse, flush out, purify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • She decided to undergo a week-long detox to feel better.
  • Many people go on a detox diet after the holidays.
cleanse

Often used in the context of health and skincare, referring to a routine or product aimed at cleaning the body or skin thoroughly.

  • He bought a new face cleanser to help with his acne.
  • She follows a cleanse diet every few months.
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.

  • The air purifier helps to purify the air in her room.
  • They decided to use natural methods to purify the creek water.
flush out

This phrase usually refers to removing substances or toxins from the body by drinking a lot of fluids or taking medication.

  • Drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins from your system.
  • The doctor suggested using a saline solution to flush out his sinuses.

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.

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

Etymology

The term 'detox' originated in the 1980s as a shortened form of 'detoxification'. It gained popularity in the health and wellness industry as a way to promote cleansing and purification of the body. The concept of detoxing has been associated with various diets, treatments, and programs aimed at improving health and well-being.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,287 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.