detoxify

verb

de·​tox·​i·​fy (ˌ)dē-ˈtäk-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce detoxify (audio)
detoxified; detoxifying

transitive verb

1
a
: to remove a harmful substance (such as a poison or toxin) or the effect of such from
b
: to render (a harmful substance) harmless
2
: to free (someone, such as a drug user or an alcoholic) from an intoxicating or an addictive substance in the body or from dependence on or addiction to such a substance
3

Did you know?

These days, detoxify can mean to free (someone) from a substance addiction (and yes, it's the source of detox, a more recent word that also refers to getting drugs or alcohol out of a person's system). Originally, however, detoxification was something done to things rather than to people. In its earliest uses - from about 1905 - detoxify referred to the removal of poison, or of poisonous or damaging properties, from a harmful substance, or to the removal of poisonous or toxic substances from something contaminated (such as the bloodstream).The specific application to removing poison from an addict is relatively new, dating to the mid-20th century. Today, detoxify is also often used generally in reference to counteracting the activity or effect of anything harmful (such as propaganda).

Examples of detoxify in a Sentence

a special tea that is supposed to detoxify the body a drug addict who is being detoxified
Recent Examples on the Web The body naturally detoxifies through the liver, and regular blood donations may help remove chemicals from the blood. Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemical compounds in several household products. Steffini Stalos, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024 Dandelion root extract has been used in China for generations to reduce swelling and detoxify the body.56 May Promote Digestive Health Dandelion root tea contains inulin—a prebiotic fiber that nourishes the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 19 Sep. 2024 The viscosity lathers well without being overly foamy, and the essential oils provide antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying benefits. Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2024 While many purifying formulas can irritate the scalp, this one is very gentle despite its efficacy; essential oils and minerals help detoxify strands while bisabolol soothes a tender scalp. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for detoxify 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detoxify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of detoxify was circa 1905

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near detoxify

Cite this Entry

“Detoxify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detoxify. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

detoxify

verb
de·​tox·​i·​fy (ˈ)dē-ˈtäk-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce detoxify (audio)
detoxified; detoxifying

transitive verb

1
a
: to remove a poison or toxin or the effect of such from
b
: to render (a harmful substance) harmless
2
: to free (as a drug user or an alcoholic) from an intoxicating or an addictive substance in the body or from dependence on or addiction to such a substance
the clinic started detoxifying him by gradually lowering his dosageJ. M. Markham

intransitive verb

: to become free of addiction to a drug or alcohol
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!