clean

³clean

verb

Definition of CLEAN

transitive verb

1

a : to make clean: as (1) : to rid of dirt, impurities, or extraneous matter (2) : to rid of corruption <vowing to clean up city hall> b : remove, eradicate —usually used with up or off <clean up that mess>

2

a : strip, empty <a tree cleaned of fruit> b : to remove the entrails from <clean fish> c : to deprive of money or possessions —often used with out <they cleaned him out completely>

intransitive verb

: to undergo or perform a process of cleaning <clean up before dinner>

— clean·abil·i·ty \ˌklē-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— clean·able \ˈklē-nə-bəl\ adjective

— clean house

1

: to clean a house and its furniture

2

: to make sweeping reforms or changes (as of personnel)

— clean one's clock

: to beat one badly in a fight or competition

— clean up one's act

: to behave in a more acceptable manner

Examples of CLEAN

1. The carpet needs to be cleaned.
2. They divide household duties so that she cleans and her husband cooks.
3. They cleaned the fish and cooked them on the campfire.
4. skin and clean a rabbit

First Known Use of CLEAN

15th century

Related to CLEAN

Synonyms: cleanse, deterge, GI, turn out

Antonyms: besmirch, dirty, foul, soil, spot, stain, sully

Related Words: decontaminate, purge, purify; disinfect, sanitize; brush, comb, dry-clean, dust, launder, mop, muck (out), rinse, scour, scrub, shampoo, sponge, swab, sweep, vacuum, wash, wipe; brighten, deodorize, freshen, spruce (up), sweeten; pick up, straighten (up), tidy, unclutter

Near Antonyms: begrime, muddy; defile, pollute, taint; blacken, discolor

see all synonyms and antonyms

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