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Detoxification: meaning, definitions and examples

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detoxification

 

[ dɪˌtɒksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

health

Detoxification is the process of removing toxic substances from the body. This can involve the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, and other organs working together to eliminate waste and harmful compounds.

Synonyms

cleansing, flushing, purification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
detoxification

This word is often used in medical or clinical settings to describe the process of removing toxins from the body. It can also be used in a more general sense for eliminating harmful substances or influences.

  • The patient underwent detoxification for alcohol addiction.
  • The spa offers various detoxification therapies for better health.
cleansing

Cleansing is commonly used in health and wellness contexts, often related to diets or skincare. It can also refer to the removal of unwanted elements from any system or environment.

  • She started a juice cleanse to feel more energized.
  • Using this face wash can help with deep cleansing of the skin.
purification

Purification has a more formal and sometimes spiritual or environmental connotation. It can be used to describe processes that remove impurities from substances like water or air, or in the context of spiritual cleansing.

  • The purification of drinking water is crucial for public health.
  • The ritual included a process of spiritual purification.
flushing

The word 'flushing' is often used to describe the process of cleaning out a system by sending a liquid through it. It is frequently used in contexts such as plumbing, automotive, or to describe body processes like flushing out toxins.

  • Drink plenty of water to help with flushing toxins out of your system.
  • The mechanic recommended flushing the radiator to remove any debris.

Examples of usage

  • Many people choose to do a detoxification cleanse to rid their bodies of toxins.
  • Detoxification diets often involve consuming natural foods and avoiding processed products.
  • Some detoxification methods include fasting, juicing, and saunas.
Context #2 | Noun

addiction treatment

Detoxification also refers to the process of safely managing withdrawal from drugs or alcohol under medical supervision. This is an important step in addiction treatment to help individuals overcome physical dependence.

Synonyms

detox, withdrawal management.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
detoxification

Use this formal term in medical or scientific contexts when referring to the process of removing toxic substances from the body.

  • The hospital specializes in the detoxification of patients with severe alcohol dependence
withdrawal management

This term is typically used in clinical settings and refers to the supervised medical care to manage the symptoms of withdrawal from drugs or alcohol.

  • The clinic offers comprehensive withdrawal management services for individuals addicted to opioids
detox

This is a more casual, shortened form of 'detoxification', often used in everyday speech or informal writing. It's also commonly associated with short-term diets or cleanses aimed at improving health.

  • I've decided to go on a juice detox for a week to improve my digestion

Examples of usage

  • Medical detoxification is often the first step in treating substance abuse disorders.
  • Detoxification centers provide a supportive environment for individuals going through withdrawal.
  • Detoxification can help reduce the discomfort and health risks associated with stopping drug or alcohol use.

Translations

Translations of the word "detoxification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desintoxicação

🇮🇳 विषहरण

🇩🇪 Entgiftung

🇮🇩 detoksifikasi

🇺🇦 детоксикація

🇵🇱 detoksykacja

🇯🇵 解毒 (げどく)

🇫🇷 désintoxication

🇪🇸 desintoxicación

🇹🇷 detoksifikasyon

🇰🇷 해독 (解毒)

🇸🇦 إزالة السموم

🇨🇿 detoxikace

🇸🇰 detoxikácia

🇨🇳 解毒 (jiědú)

🇸🇮 razstrupljanje

🇮🇸 afvötnun

🇰🇿 детоксикация

🇬🇪 დეტოქსიკაცია

🇦🇿 detoksifikasiya

🇲🇽 desintoxicación

Etymology

The term 'detoxification' originated from the word 'detoxicate,' which was first used in the early 20th century. The concept of detoxifying the body has been present in various cultures for centuries, with practices such as fasting, herbal remedies, and sweat lodges being used to cleanse the body of impurities. In modern times, detoxification has become a popular health trend, with many people seeking to improve their well-being by eliminating toxins from their bodies.

See also: detoxifying.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,634, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.