cleanse

cleanse · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To make something thoroughly clean; to rid of dirt or impurities.

  2. 2.

    To rid of something unwanted or harmful.

  3. 3.

    (archaic or biblical) To cure someone of a disease, especially leprosy.

Related words

Antonyms: contaminate, dirty, pollute
See also: clean, purge, purify, wash
Synonyms: clean, purge, purify, wash

Etymology

From Old English clǣnsian ("to cleanse, purify"), from clǣne ("clean, pure"). The word has retained a more formal or ritualistic connotation compared to clean.