purge
to rid, clear, or free (usually followed by of or from): The raid was intended to purge the political party of disloyal members.
to remove by cleansing or purifying (often followed by away, off, or out).
to clear or empty (the stomach or bowels) by inducing vomiting or evacuation.
to cause evacuation of the bowels of (a person).
to put to death or otherwise eliminate (undesirable or unwanted members) from a political organization, government, nation, etc.
Computers. to delete or remove (data or the like): Make sure to purge all sensitive information from your phone before you sell it.
to clear of imputed guilt or ritual uncleanliness.
to clear away or wipe out legally (an offense, accusation, etc.) by atonement or other suitable action.
Metallurgy.
to drive off (undesirable gases) from a furnace or stove.
to free (a furnace or stove) of undesirable gases.
to become cleansed or purified.
to clear or empty the stomach or bowels by inducing vomiting or evacuation: A bulimic individual who binges and purges often will experience physical changes that make stopping the cycle extremely difficult.
the act or process of purging.
the removal or elimination of members of a political organization, government, nation, etc., who are considered disloyal or otherwise undesirable.
something that purges, as a purgative medicine or laxative.
Origin of purge
1Other words for purge
Other words from purge
- purge·a·ble, adjective
- purg·er, noun
- un·purge·a·ble, adjective
- un·purged, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use purge in a sentence
Of course, Mr Kim has no qualms about organising purges of his own.
The Women Behind the Throne in North Korea's 'Empire of Horror' | The Telegraph | December 15, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTThe purges continued, albeit less dramatically, through the fall of last year.
It all started with her leftist father, who barely avoided the purges of the 1970s.
Purges must go too far, because extreme capriciousness is what stops the frenzy.
Especially if the first invasion from Aptor took place just before, and probably caused, the purges.
The Jewels of Aptor | Samuel R. Delany
Purges and diuretics of different kinds affording him no relief, my assistance was desired.
An Account of the Foxglove and some of its Medical Uses | William WitheringPur′ger, a person or thing that purges; Pur′ging, act of cleansing or clearing.
Vomits of white hellebore or antimony, and purges of black hellebore or aloes, are prescribed.
Chapters in the History of the Insane in the British Isles | Daniel Hack TukeThose who adopt this view of its action aver that Colchicum acts best when it purges freely.
The Action of Medicines in the System | Frederick William Headland
British Dictionary definitions for purge
/ (pɜːdʒ) /
(tr) to rid (something) of (impure or undesirable elements)
(tr) to rid (a state, political party, etc) of (dissident or troublesome people)
(tr)
to empty (the bowels) by evacuation of faeces
to cause (a person) to evacuate his bowels
to clear (a person) of a charge
to free (oneself) of guilt, as by atonement: to purge contempt
(intr) to be cleansed or purified
the act or process of purging
the elimination of opponents or dissidents from a state, political party, etc
a purgative drug or agent; cathartic
Origin of purge
1Derived forms of purge
- purger, 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
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