purify
Americanverb (used with object)
-
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 orfrom ).
-
to make clean for ceremonial or ritual use.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
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
Other Word Forms
- nonpurifying adjective
- purification noun
- purificatory adjective
- purifier noun
- repurify verb
- self-purifying adjective
- unpurified adjective
- unpurifying adjective
Etymology
Origin of purify
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English purifien, from Middle French purifier, from Latin pūrificāre; pure, -ify
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The punishments were made after a "systematic review" and were needed "to enforce industry discipline, purify the football environment, and maintain fair competition", the CFA wrote on its official social media account Thursday.
From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026
Beyond their unique biological properties, nanobodies are simpler to produce and purify than traditional antibodies.
From Science Daily • Nov. 6, 2025
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.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025
Board of Water and Power Commissioners voted to purify 45 million gallons, enough water for 500,000 people.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025
She has to remain in the air lock until the filters have a chance to purify the foreign air.
From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
