cleanse

[klenz]

verb (used with object)

cleansed, cleansing 

1. to make clean.

2. to remove by or as if by cleaning.

   to cleanse sin from the soul.

verb (used without object)

cleansed, cleansing 

1. to become clean.

cleanse

/ klɛnz /

verb

1. to remove dirt, filth, etc, from

2. to remove guilt from

3. to remove a group of people from (an area) by means of ethnic cleansing

Other Word Forms

• cleansable adjective
• recleanse verb (used with object)
• uncleansable adjective
• uncleansed adjective
• well-cleansed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleanse¹

before 900; Middle English clensen, Old English clǣnsian, equivalent to clǣne clean + -si- v. suffix + -an infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleanse¹

Old English clǣnsian; related to Middle Low German klēnsen; see _clean

Synonym Study

See clean.

Example Sentences

It added that preventing displaced populations from returning and demolishing homes amounted to ethnic cleansing.

Read more on Barron's

The flight was part of "a clear agenda to cleanse Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank", Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said on Monday.

Read more on BBC

Each had a tailored experience, from blood cleansing to cell rejuvenation to transcranial magnetic stimulation, with plenty of pampering in between.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Since this was Seoul, a “facial” meant more than a cleanse, mask and some red-light therapy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some of her works listed on Instagram criticise "American imperialism," what she called Israeli war crimes and denounce the "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians, mirroring some of her husband's policy positions.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• disinfect 
• purge 
• restore 
• sanitize