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detoxify

American  
[dee-tok-suh-fahy] / diˈtɒk sə faɪ /

verb (used with object)

detoxified, detoxifying
  1. to rid of poison or the effect of poison.

  2. to treat (a person addicted to alcohol or drugs) in a detox program.


verb (used without object)

detoxified, detoxifying
  1. to undergo detox or metabolic detoxification.

detoxify British  
/ diːˈtɒksɪˌfaɪ /

verb

  1. to remove poison from; detoxicate

  2. to treat (a person) for alcoholism or drug addiction

"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

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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