detox

noun

de·​tox ˈdē-ˌtäks 

di-ˈtäks

often attributive

1

: detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance

a detox clinic

2

: a program or facility for assisting a person undergoing detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance

spent one week in detox

3

: a regimen or treatment intended to remove toxins and impurities from the body

A well-designed detox can help purge your liver, colon, and kidneys of toxins; clear your skin; boost your energy; and help you safely shed pounds.

—Lisa Turner

detox verb

Examples of detox in a Sentence

He spent one week in detox.

The famous writer recently went into detox.

She has been through two detoxes in the past year.

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this year, New York Times reporter Kashmir Hill wrote extensively about the virtues of owning a flip phone and floated the idea that in the future, people may have a yearly smartphone detox, similar to Dry January. —Zoë Bernard, Vox, 12 Sep. 2024

Wells-Conrad can also arrange experiences such as a gorilla trek in Rwanda, a digital detox and spa retreat on the secluded island of Koh Kood in Thailand, or a private-island dinner in French Polynesia. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2024

In response, some have embraced digital detoxes, unsubscribing from emails, cutting back on social media use, and simplifying their digital lives to create more mental space. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Sep. 2024

Many detox centers are privately funded and require full payment or insurance, but others have long wait lists to get a bed. —Landon Mion, Fox News, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

detox

1 of 2 noun

de·​tox (ˈ)dē-ˈtäks 

1

a

: detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance

a unit providing detox for adolescents

—often used before another noun

a detox clinic

b

: a detox program or facility

There are city officials who are scrambling to see if they can extend the average stays in a detox.

—Peter Gelzinis, The Boston Herald

2

: a regimen or treatment to remove toxins and impurities from the body

A well-designed detox can help purge your liver, colon, and kidneys of toxins; clear your skin; boost your energy; and help you safely shed pounds.

—Lisa Turner, Better Nutrition

detox

2 of 2 intransitive verb

: to subject oneself to or to undergo detoxification : detoxify

Safely detoxing requires a 10- to 15-day hospital stay, medical experts say.

—Luke Cyphers, ESPN

transitive verb

: to remove a harmful or intoxicating substance from (someone or something) : detoxify

Most heroin addicts have been detoxed hundreds of times.

—Susan Reed, People Weekly

also : to remove impurities from

Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as phytonutrients, compounds that naturally detox the body.

—Redbook