detox

American  

[dee-toks, dee-toks] / ˈdiˌtɒks, diˈtɒks /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈdiːˌtɒks /

noun

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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of detox

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; by shortening

Example Sentences

After a week of their social-media detox, participants on average had: a 25% reduction in depression symptoms, a 16% decline in anxiety and a 14% decrease in insomnia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

A royal aide said this was a reference to the social impact of new technologies on communities, and that people might consider a "digital detox".

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

The trend has spawned a cottage industry of e-books, Zoom workshops by “vaccine friendly” doctors offering alternative schedules, bespoke inoculations and post-vaccine detox regimens.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2025

Dickson estimates that her digital detox has saved her roughly $300 to $500 a month, now that she is no longer tempted to buy new things or try new restaurants every day.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 10, 2025

In fact I feel irritated and can’t help wondering whether I could have gotten the same result without spending $30 and three days on detox and bloat.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich