detoxify
Americanverb (used with object)
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to rid of poison or the effect of poison.
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to treat (a person addicted to alcohol or drugs) in a detox program.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to remove poison from; detoxicate
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to treat (a person) for alcoholism or drug addiction
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of detoxify
First recorded in 1900–05; detoxi(cate) + -fy
Vocabulary lists containing detoxify
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dermatologists say that scalp treatments promote circulation and detoxify, as well as calm and hydrate skin, all of which can help prevent dandruff, itchiness, dryness and inflammation.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2024
Sourakov suspects these genes may be related both to the ability of bella moths to detoxify alkaloids and to their remarkable longevity.
From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2024
More perks: real plants can help detoxify the air inside.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2023
Once the nematode’s body absorbs it, the worm modifies it with enzymes, called cytochrome P450s, which in many organisms detoxify foreign molecules.
From Science Magazine • May 25, 2023
DDT-resistant flies possess an enzyme that allows them to detoxify the insecticide to the less toxic chemical DDE.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.