Purification: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the process of removing impurities or contaminants from something, often in a religious, spiritual, or environmental context.

• The purification of water is essential for safe drinking.
• The ritual involves purification ceremonies to cleanse the soul.

Used when referring to the process of cleaning something or making something pure, often in a physical or emotional context. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if used in a socio-political context like 'ethnic cleansing'.

• The spa offers a variety of cleansing treatments for the skin.
• She felt a sense of emotional cleansing after talking to her therapist.

Used when referring to making something clear or easier to understand, particularly in communication or explanation.

• I asked for clarification on the instructions because they were confusing.
• The scientist provided clarification on the results of the experiment.

Used when referring to the process of passing a substance through a filter to remove unwanted components, commonly in scientific, engineering, or environmental contexts.

• Filtration is an important step in water treatment plants.
• The lab experiment required the filtration of the solution to separate the solid particles.

Use this word when discussing the process of making something pure by removing impurities. This can be applied to both physical objects, such as water or air, and spiritual or ceremonial practices.

• The purification of water is essential for safe drinking.
• The ritual involved the purification of the soul through prayer.

This word is often used to describe the act of making something clean, typically in a more everyday or practical sense. It can be used for both physical and metaphorical cleaning.

• She spent the afternoon cleansing the house from top to bottom.
• Yoga and meditation are good for cleansing the mind.

Purging has a more intense and often negative connotation. It is used when talking about forcefully removing unwanted or harmful elements, either physically or metaphorically.

• The dictator instituted a purging of political opponents.
• The system was purged of old files to improve performance.

This word is appropriate in a religious or spiritual context, referring to the process of becoming holy or being set apart for sacred use.

• The sanctification of the church made it a place of refuge and worship.
• The path to sanctification requires a commitment to spiritual growth.