detox

[ noun dee-toks; verb dee-toks ]

verb (used without object)

1. to rid the body or a bodily organ of a poison, toxin, or drug (often followed by from ):

   You should detox from alcohol under medical care, as acute alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium or seizures.

2. to undergo a period of treatment to overcome physical and psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs:

   The drug is often prescribed to aid recovering opiate addicts as they detox and heal.

3. to take a deliberate break from an activity or practice believed to be harmful or addictive:

   I tried digitally detoxing while I was on vacation—I didn't touch a computer or social media at all.

verb (used with object)

1. to remove toxins, drugs, or other harmful substances from (the body or a bodily organ):

   Here are some foods and spices that are believed to strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and detox the liver.

2. to remove (toxins, drugs, or other harmful substances) from the body or a bodily organ:

   They claim that using the sauna regularly may detox heavy metals and toxic chemicals, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health.

noun

1. the process of ridding the body or a bodily organ of a poison, toxin, or drug; detoxification:

   One of the first steps in addiction treatment is detox, removing the drug from the patient's system through a medically supervised withdrawal process.

2. Also called detoxification. a program of treatment or a medical or therapeutic facility for helping a person overcome physical and psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs; rehab:

   Here’s yet another clickbait story about a celebrity going into detox.

3. a treatment, diet, program, etc., intended to remove toxins from the body or from a specific bodily organ:

   This clay mask is perfect for a skin detox, providing your skin with a chance to renew itself and regenerate skin cells.

4. a deliberate break or time away from an activity or practice believed to be harmful or addictive:

   Is a digital detox really necessary?

adjective

1. of or relating to a period of treatment or a medical or therapeutic facility in which a person is helped to overcome physical and psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs:

   Detox therapy can range in length, but most programs take about ten days.

2. of or relating to a treatment, diet, program, etc., intended to remove toxins from the body or from a specific bodily organ:

   Changing your diet will help, but a colon detox program might also improve your symptoms.

detox

/ ˈdiːˌtɒks /

noun

1. treatment designed to rid the body of poisonous substances, esp alcohol and drugs

verb

1. to undergo treatment to rid the body of poisonous substances, esp alcohol and drugs

Word History and Origins

Origin of detox¹

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of detox¹

C20: from (for sense 1) detoxification or (for sense 2) detoxicate

Example Sentences

Of them, 31 went to shelter, 14 to permanent housing, 11 to mental health, detox or domestic violence facilities and 10 were reunified with families.

From Los Angeles Times

The Students, as their name translates to in their native Pashto, achieved what decades of foreign occupation could not, uprooting poppy fields with tractors and rounding up opioid users into jail-like detox.

From Salon

She decided to “keep” her tumor and work it out of her body a different way, including detoxing, completely changing her diet and working on her “emotional landscapes.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t know what could happen, but if there’s some sort of detox and reset,” she says, trailing off and wishing for a do-over.

From Los Angeles Times

But I spent a day using it and, for now, there is little doubt that as a digital detox it was certainly effective because of its very limited functionality.

From BBC