deterge

[ dih-turj ]

verb (used with object)

, de·terged, de·terg·ing.

1. to wipe or wash away; cleanse.
2. to cleanse of impurities or undesirable matter, as a wound.

deterge

/ dɪˈtɜːdʒ /

verb

1. tr to wash or wipe away; cleanse

   to deterge a wound

Other Words From

• de·tergen·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deterge¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from French déterger, from Latin dētergēre “to wipe off,” equivalent to dē- prefix indicating removal + tergēre “to wipe”; de-

Word History and Origins

Origin of deterge¹

C17: from Latin dētergēre to wipe away, from de- + tergēre to wipe

Related Words

• bathe
• brush
• cleanse
• clear up
• disinfect
• dredge
• dust
• mop
• pick
• pick up
• rinse
• scrape
• scrub
• soak
• spruce up
• sweep
• vacuum
• wash
• wipe