purify

[pyoor-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

purified, purifying 

1. to make pure; free from anything that debases, pollutes, adulterates, or contaminates.

   to purify metals.

2. to free from foreign, extraneous, or objectionable elements.

   to purify a language.

3. to free from guilt or evil.

4. to clear or purge (usually followed by of orfrom ).

5. to make clean for ceremonial or ritual use.

verb (used without object)

purified, purifying 

1. to become pure.

purify

/ ˈpjʊərɪˌfaɪ, ˈpjʊərɪfɪˌkeɪtərɪ /

verb

1. to free (something) of extraneous, contaminating, or debasing matter

2. (tr) to free (a person, etc) from sin or guilt

3. (tr) to make clean, as in a ritual, esp the churching of women after childbirth

Other Word Forms

• purification noun
• purificatory adjective
• purifier noun
• nonpurifying adjective
• repurify verb
• self-purifying adjective
• unpurified adjective
• unpurifying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of purify¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English purifien, from Middle French purifier, from Latin pūrificāre; pure, -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of purify¹

C14: from Old French purifier, from Late Latin pūrificāre to cleanse, from pūrus pure + facere to make

Example Sentences

This patent-pending technology purifies the isotope by removing it from the bismuth target and then loads it onto a shipping column for incorporation into targeted alpha therapy drugs.

Read more on Science Daily

Normally, nuclear reactors use purified water, which runs through a closed system to ensure that none of the water from the reactor can get out—and that no impurities can get in.

Read more on Literature

Beyond their unique biological properties, nanobodies are simpler to produce and purify than traditional antibodies.

Read more on Science Daily

Also involved in the deal is ReElement Technologies, a company that works to purify and recycle rare-earth materials, which will help in the recycling of old magnets to boost domestic production.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Board of Water and Power Commissioners voted to purify 45 million gallons, enough water for 500,000 people.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rarefy