purify

verb

pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce purify (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cleanse, hydrate, and nourish your skin with a gentle cleanser, restorative night cream, purifying clay mask, and more. Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024 This mystical scent is purifying and invigorating, balancing crispness with a festive warmth that feels wild and green. Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024 When one is found, the laboratory grows some phage, purifies it, and then sends it off to the hospital where doctors prepare it, usually as an intravenous injection, for the patient. Jess Craig, Vox, 1 Oct. 2024 In Illness As Metaphor, Susan Sontag writes that tuberculosis was believed to purify those who suffered from it. Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for purify 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of purify was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near purify

Cite this Entry

“Purify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purify. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

purify

verb
pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce purify (audio)
purified; purifying
: to make or become pure
purification
ˌpyu̇r-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on purify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!