detox

[dee-toks, dee-toks]

verb (used without object)

1. to rid the body or a bodily organ of a poison, toxin, or drug (often followed byfrom ).

   You should detox from alcohol under medical care, as acute alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium or seizures.

2. to undergo a period of treatment to overcome physical and psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs.

   The drug is often prescribed to aid recovering opiate addicts as they detox and heal.

3. to take a deliberate break from an activity or practice believed to be harmful or addictive.

   I tried digitally detoxing while I was on vacation—I didn't touch a computer or social media at all.

verb (used with object)

1. to remove toxins, drugs, or other harmful substances from (the body or a bodily organ).

   Here are some foods and spices that are believed to strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and detox the liver.

2. to remove (toxins, drugs, or other harmful substances) from the body or a bodily organ.

   They claim that using the sauna regularly may detox heavy metals and toxic chemicals, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health.

noun

1. the process of ridding the body or a bodily organ of a poison, toxin, or drug; detoxification.

   One of the first steps in addiction treatment is detox, removing the drug from the patient's system through a medically supervised withdrawal process.

2. Also called detoxification. a program of treatment or a medical or therapeutic facility for helping a person overcome physical and psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs; rehab.

   Here’s yet another clickbait story about a celebrity going into detox.

3. a treatment, diet, program, etc., intended to remove toxins from the body or from a specific bodily organ.

   This clay mask is perfect for a skin detox, providing your skin with a chance to renew itself and regenerate skin cells.

4. a deliberate break or time away from an activity or practice believed to be harmful or addictive.

   Is a digital detox really necessary?

adjective

1. of or relating to a period of treatment or a medical or therapeutic facility in which a person is helped to overcome physical and psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs.

   Detox therapy can range in length, but most programs take about ten days.

2. of or relating to a treatment, diet, program, etc., intended to remove toxins from the body or from a specific bodily organ.

   Changing your diet will help, but a colon detox program might also improve your symptoms.

detox

/ ˈdiːˌtɒks /

noun

1. treatment designed to rid the body of poisonous substances, esp alcohol and drugs

verb

1. to undergo treatment to rid the body of poisonous substances, esp alcohol and drugs

Word History and Origins

Origin of detox¹

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of detox¹

C20: from (for sense 1) _{detoxification} or (for sense 2) _detoxicate

Example Sentences

State TV in Vladimir spun the shutdown as "digital detox", showing residents who said they now enjoyed more walking, reading and spending time with friends.

From BBC

"It was quite tough to detox," she added.

From BBC

"When the general public hears the word treatment, they're thinking detox, rehab, people getting on with their lives."

From BBC

But after sending a five-page letter to the panel that decides on eligibility she finally managed to access a detox and rehabilitation service.

From BBC

What I really appreciate about this book is that it’s not a detox book.

From Salon