purge
to rid, clear, or free (usually followed by of or from): The raid was intended to purge the political party of disloyal members.
to remove by cleansing or purifying (often followed by away, off, or out).
to clear or empty (the stomach or bowels) by inducing vomiting or evacuation.
to cause evacuation of the bowels of (a person).
to put to death or otherwise eliminate (undesirable or unwanted members) from a political organization, government, nation, etc.
Computers. to delete or remove (data or the like): Make sure to purge all sensitive information from your phone before you sell it.
to clear of imputed guilt or ritual uncleanliness.
to clear away or wipe out legally (an offense, accusation, etc.) by atonement or other suitable action.
Metallurgy.
to drive off (undesirable gases) from a furnace or stove.
to free (a furnace or stove) of undesirable gases.
to become cleansed or purified.
to clear or empty the stomach or bowels by inducing vomiting or evacuation: A bulimic individual who binges and purges often will experience physical changes that make stopping the cycle extremely difficult.
the act or process of purging.
the removal or elimination of members of a political organization, government, nation, etc., who are considered disloyal or otherwise undesirable.
something that purges, as a purgative medicine or laxative.
Origin of purge
1Other words for purge
Other words from purge
- purge·a·ble, adjective
- purg·er, noun
- un·purge·a·ble, adjective
- un·purged, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for purge
/ (pɜːdʒ) /
(tr) to rid (something) of (impure or undesirable elements)
(tr) to rid (a state, political party, etc) of (dissident or troublesome people)
(tr)
to empty (the bowels) by evacuation of faeces
to cause (a person) to evacuate his bowels
to clear (a person) of a charge
to free (oneself) of guilt, as by atonement: to purge contempt
(intr) to be cleansed or purified
the act or process of purging
the elimination of opponents or dissidents from a state, political party, etc
a purgative drug or agent; cathartic
Origin of purge
1Derived forms of purge
- purger, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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