purify

verb

pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī 

purified; purifying

transitive verb

: to make pure: such as

a

: to clear from material defilement or imperfection

b

: to free from guilt or moral or ceremonial blemish

c

: to free from undesirable elements

intransitive verb

: to grow or become pure or clean

purifier

ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms

• cleanse
• purge
• sanctify

Examples of purify in a Sentence

We purified the water by boiling it.

You can purify the air with a filtration system.

a bottle of purified water

She believed she could purify herself through constant prayer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Especially good for sensitive skin types, this wash is formulated with eucalyptus and amino acids to purify and hydrate, while surfactants erase the day's grime. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024

This cleanser works to exfoliate your dead skin, purify your pores and rejuvenate your face in just a few quick uses. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024

The fuel cell uses about 70% of the hydrogen available, with the leftover hydrogen either oxidized for more heat or purified for refueling. —David Blekhman, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

The sermon was built around a Bible passage, Malachi 3:1-4, about God's ability to purify people. —Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English purifien, from Anglo-French purifier, from Latin purificare, from Latin purus + -ificare -ify

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

purify

verb

pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī 

purified; purifying

: to make or become pure

purification

ˌpyu̇r-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun

purifier

ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun