detoxify

[ dee-tok-suh-fahy ]

/ diˈtɒk sə faɪ /

verb (used with object), de·tox·i·fied, de·tox·i·fy·ing.

to rid of poison or the effect of poison.

to treat (a person addicted to alcohol or drugs) under a program of detoxification.

verb (used without object), de·tox·i·fied, de·tox·i·fy·ing.

to undergo detoxification.

Nearby words

Origin of detoxify

First recorded in 1900–05; detoxi(cate) + -fy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for detoxify

Even now, despite David Cameron's efforts to “detoxify” the Tory brand, the party only holds one Scottish seat.
A Stand-Alone Scotland|Alex Massie|January 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for detoxify

detoxify

/ (diːˈtɒksɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (tr)

to remove poison from; detoxicate

to treat (a person) for alcoholism or drug addiction

Derived Formsdetoxification, noun

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

Word Origin and History for detoxify

detoxify

1905; see de- + toxic + -fy. Earlier in the same sense was detoxicate (1867).

Medicine definitions for detoxify

detoxify

[ dē-tŏk′sə-fī′ ]

v.

To counteract or destroy the toxic properties of a substance.

To remove the effects of poison from something, such as the blood.

To treat a person for alcohol or drug dependence, usually under a medically supervised program designed to rid the body of intoxicating or addictive substances.