purify

verb

pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce purify (audio)
purified; purifying
Synonyms of purifynext

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 How to pronounce purify (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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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.
The rig features a full wet bath with a recirculating shower system that reuses 70% of your sudsy bubble-water after filtering and purifying it. — New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025 Harnessing the sun’s energy, this method purifies through evaporation and condensation, restoring purity; minerals can be reintroduced for balance. — Sahit Muja, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 To maximize results, the brand has also developed an entire line based on rosemary, enclosed in a convenient kit featuring a detangling brush (for the scalp massage); plus, a scrub and a shampoo, to best purify the scalp and restore it to a normal condition, for visibly stronger and shinier hair. — Alice Nardiotti, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025 The vacuum includes two HEPA filters and a five-stage filtration system that is able to capture 99.9 percent of fine particles so that your air is as purified as possible and free of potential allergens and irritants. — Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025 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

Rhymes for purify

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Browse Nearby Words

purify
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Cite this Entry

“Purify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purify. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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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
purifier
ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce purify (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on purify

Nglish: Translation of purify for Spanish Speakers

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