Detoxify: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in medical or health-related contexts to describe the process of removing toxins from the body. Often associated with diets, treatments, or therapies aimed at eliminating harmful substances.

• She went on a special diet to detoxify her liver.
• The clinic offers a program to detoxify patients from drug addiction.

Used broadly to describe the act of cleaning or removing impurities, often related to skincare, health routines, or even spiritual practices. Can also be used in a metaphorical sense.

• Use this face wash to cleanse your skin every morning.
• They decided to cleanse their diet of processed foods.

Used to describe the removal of impurities to make something clean or pure, often related to water, air, or substances. Can also have a spiritual or moral connotation.

• The device is designed to purify drinking water.
• They prayed to purify their souls.

Used in technical or scientific contexts to describe removing dangerous or harmful substances, often related to chemical, biological, or radiological safety.

• The hazmat team worked to decontaminate the affected area.
• Specialists were called in to decontaminate the laboratory after the spill.