detoxify
verb
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
Caroline Tell, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
What the Research Says While some people claim lemon juice and olive oil can detoxify your body, improve digestion, treat kidney stones and joint pain, and prevent premature aging and cardiovascular disease, no evidence supports these health claims.
—Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
Practitioners claim head spas aid circulation as well as detoxify and hydrate the scalp.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025
Find it on Amazon Activated Charcoal Bath Bombs for a Serene Detox
These charcoal bath bombs are the perfect product for a tranquil bath that also detoxifies.
—Veronica Booth, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near detoxify
Cite this Entry
“Detoxify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detoxify. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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detoxify
verb
J. M. Markham
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