cleanse

[ klenz ]

verb (used with object)

, cleansed, cleans·ing.

1. to make clean.
2. to remove by or as if by cleaning:

   to cleanse sin from the soul.

verb (used without object)

, cleansed, cleans·ing.

1. to become clean.

cleanse

/ klɛnz /

verb

1. to remove dirt, filth, etc, from
2. to remove guilt from
3. to remove a group of people from (an area) by means of ethnic cleansing

Derived Forms

• ˈcleansable, adjective

Other Words From

• cleansa·ble adjective
• re·cleanse verb (used with object) recleansed recleansing
• un·cleansa·ble adjective
• un·cleansed adjective
• well-cleansed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleanse¹

before 900; Middle English clensen, Old English clǣnsian, equivalent to clǣne clean + -si- v. suffix + -an infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleanse¹

Old English clǣnsian; related to Middle Low German klēnsen; see clean

Synonym Study

See clean.

Example Sentences

Its "reset" tool - which it says will be available globally "soon" - effectively cleanses a user's feed of content suggested by the site's algorithm, though Instagram says recommendations will "start to personalise again over time."

From BBC

It also says Israeli actions appear to “meet the definition of ethnic cleansing”.

From BBC

The UN first imposed an arms embargo in Darfur in 2004, following allegations of ethnic cleansing against the region's non-Arabic population.

From BBC

The entire location had been cleansed of any evidence within hours of this horrible event taking place.

From BBC

After overtaking parts of the country via urban warfare, the group allegedly plans to remove "unwanted groups of people" from these areas by means of "ethnic cleansing".

From BBC

Related Words

• disinfect
• purge
• restore
• sanitize