purify

[ pyoor-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, pu·ri·fied, pu·ri·fy·ing.

1. to make pure; free from anything that debases, pollutes, adulterates, or contaminates:

   to purify metals.

2. to free from foreign, extraneous, or objectionable elements:

   to purify a language.

3. to free from guilt or evil.
4. to clear or purge (usually followed by of or from ).
5. to make clean for ceremonial or ritual use.

verb (used without object)

, pu·ri·fied, pu·ri·fy·ing.

1. to become pure.

purify

/ ˈpjʊərɪˌfaɪ; ˈpjʊərɪfɪˌkeɪtərɪ /

verb

1. to free (something) of extraneous, contaminating, or debasing matter
2. tr to free (a person, etc) from sin or guilt
3. tr to make clean, as in a ritual, esp the churching of women after childbirth

Derived Forms

• ˌpurifiˈcation, noun
• purificatory, adjective

Other Words From

• pu·ri·fi·ca·tion [py, oo, r-, uh, -fi-, key, -sh, uh, n], noun
• pu·rif·i·ca·to·ry [py, oo, -, rif, -i-k, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective
• pu·ri·fi·er noun
• non·pu·ri·fy·ing adjective
• re·pu·ri·fy verb repurified repurifying
• self-pu·ri·fy·ing adjective
• un·pu·ri·fied adjective
• un·pu·ri·fy·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of purify¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English purifien, from Middle French purifier, from Latin pūrificāre; pure, -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of purify¹

C14: from Old French purifier, from Late Latin pūrificāre to cleanse, from pūrus pure + facere to make

Example Sentences

It sought to eradicate Western influences and force Afghans to conform to its vision of a “purified” Islamic Afghanistan.

From Washington Post

It has been corrected to note that additional processing would be required to purify the recovered silicon to PV-grade.

From MIT Technology Review

If buildings can’t handle extra filtration at the central unit and building owners can’t afford to upgrade the HVAC system, portable air-purifying machines may help.

From Science News

The team purified the PET monomers and used them to make new clear plastic bottles.

From Science News For Students

Now based in Rwanda, she is COO at ­OffGridBox, a Boston-based startup whose all-in-one system uses energy from solar panels to charge batteries and purify water.

From MIT Technology Review

As for the claims that activated charcoal will help purify your body from toxins?

From The Daily Beast

"We have an Islamic government, an interior ministry trying to purify its image, and a conservative masculine society," he says.

From The Daily Beast

“I picture scientists finding new ways to purify water, or diagnose disease,” Sindi says.

From The Daily Beast

From just past the city limits came Ernest Hemingway to purify the American language and create another heroic legend.

From The Daily Beast

This, he believed, would gradually reduce the number of members to what it then was, and would purify elections.

From Project Gutenberg

To purify liquids by the dissipation of the volatile matters which may contaminate them.

From Project Gutenberg

Not all Doctor Filhiols burning of pungent substances in the cabin had been able to purify the air.

From Project Gutenberg

The heart of a man is like running water,—the years in their course purify the moral contagion.

From Project Gutenberg

By this means, they may sweeten and sanctify domestic enjoyments; by this renew and purify the flame of affection.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• rarefy