purify
[ pyoor-uh-fahy ]
/ ˈpyʊər əˌfaɪ /
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verb (used with object), pu·ri·fied, pu·ri·fy·ing.
to make pure; free from anything that debases, pollutes, adulterates, or contaminates: to purify metals.
to free from foreign, extraneous, or objectionable elements: to purify a language.
to free from guilt or evil.
to clear or purge (usually followed by of or from).
to make clean for ceremonial or ritual use.
verb (used without object), pu·ri·fied, pu·ri·fy·ing.
to become pure.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for purify
purify
/ (ˈpjʊərɪˌfaɪ) /
verb -fies, -fying or -fied
to free (something) of extraneous, contaminating, or debasing matter
(tr) to free (a person, etc) from sin or guilt
(tr) to make clean, as in a ritual, esp the churching of women after childbirth
Derived forms of purify
purification, nounpurificatory (ˈpjʊərɪfɪˌkeɪtərɪ), adjectiveWord Origin for purify
C14: from Old French purifier, from Late Latin pūrificāre to cleanse, from pūrus pure + facere to make
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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