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

"I take my hair and have a shower and I literally cleanse myself of a character," she says.

From BBC

The $120, 45-minute treatment is designed for people 11 to 15 years old and includes a double cleanse, mild exfoliation and, if necessary, extractions to clear out clogged pores.

From Los Angeles Times

White riots in 1904, 1906, and especially in 1908 were motivated by white efforts to "cleanse" the city of its growing Black immigrant population.

From Salon

This, she added, would “cleanse the industry from predators”.

From BBC

This should terrify anyone who understands the historical lessons of such a plan—especially from the likes of Donald Trump, a man who has repeatedly channeled Adolf Hitler and has promised to “cleanse” the blood of the nation from human "vermin."

From Salon

Related Words

• disinfect
• purge
• restore
• sanitize