purge

[ purj ]

verb (used with object)

, purged, purg·ing.

1. to rid of whatever is impure or undesirable; cleanse; purify:

   The water was purged and then tested for purity, so it should be safe to drink.

2. to rid, clear, or free (usually followed by of or from ):

   The raid was intended to purge the political party of disloyal members.

3. to remove by cleansing or purifying (often followed by away, off, or out ).
4. to clear or empty (the stomach or bowels) by inducing vomiting or evacuation.
5. to cause evacuation of the bowels of (a person).
6. to put to death or otherwise eliminate (undesirable or unwanted members) from a political organization, government, nation, etc.

   Synonyms: extirpate, liquidate, oust

7. Computers. to delete or remove (data or the like):

   Make sure to purge all sensitive information from your phone before you sell it.

8. to clear of imputed guilt or ritual uncleanliness.
9. to clear away or wipe out legally (an offense, accusation, etc.) by atonement or other suitable action.
10. Metallurgy.
    1. to drive off (undesirable gases) from a furnace or stove.
    2. to free (a furnace or stove) of undesirable gases.

verb (used without object)

, purged, purg·ing.

1. to become cleansed or purified.
2. to clear or empty the stomach or bowels by inducing vomiting or evacuation:

   A bulimic individual who binges and purges often will experience physical changes that make stopping the cycle extremely difficult.

noun

1. the act or process of purging.
2. the removal or elimination of members of a political organization, government, nation, etc., who are considered disloyal or otherwise undesirable.
3. something that purges, as a purgative medicine or laxative.

purge

/ pɜːdʒ /

verb

1. tr to rid (something) of (impure or undesirable elements)
2. tr to rid (a state, political party, etc) of (dissident or troublesome people)
3. tr
   1. to empty (the bowels) by evacuation of faeces
   2. to cause (a person) to evacuate his bowels
4. 1. to clear (a person) of a charge
   2. to free (oneself) of guilt, as by atonement

      to purge contempt

5. intr to be cleansed or purified

noun

1. the act or process of purging
2. the elimination of opponents or dissidents from a state, political party, etc
3. a purgative drug or agent; cathartic

Derived Forms

• ˈpurger, noun

Other Words From

• purge·a·ble adjective
• purg·er noun
• un·purge·a·ble adjective
• un·purged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of purge¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; (verb) Middle English purgen, from Old French purg(i)er, from Latin pūrgāre “to cleanse”; (noun) Middle English, from Old French, derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of purge¹

C14: from Old French purger, from Latin pūrgāre to purify

Example Sentences

“Stalin’s purges were worse than any plague or infectious disease,” Zeldovich writes.

From Salon

He and McCarthy instigated a massive investigation and purge of government employees whom they accused of being communists or outed as homosexuals.

From Salon

Former Rep. Gaetz, Trump’s nominee for attorney general, has promised to purge the Justice Department and FBI of anyone who might get in the president’s way.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump learned the wrong lesson from that, which is that he's not focused enough on purging the party.

From Salon

His choice for defence secretary, for example, has called for a purge of military chiefs enacting “woke” policies.

From BBC

Related Words

• coup
• evacuation
• expulsion
• extermination
• liquidation
• suppression