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

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

Both purifying methods can measurably reduce indoor air pollution, according to the EPA. —Marni Jameson, arkansasonline.com, 6 Dec. 2024

The process involves harvesting jellyfish, isolating the mucin, and purifying it for use in various products. —Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

It’s designed to suit most skin types (especially the sensitive and dry folks out there), with a supporting cast of primrose and rosehip seed that digs below the surface to purify and nourish your skin. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 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